14 March 2019 Author : Jorge Marcelino As it is caused by the influenza virus, there are 3 known types of flu virus - A, B and C. Type A is the most common, and the most serious epidemics are associated with it. Type A has subtypes that are classified according to the characteristics of the haemagglutinin H and neuraminidase N surface antigens (e.g. H1N1). What are the symptoms of flu and what are its particular characteristics in children? The symptoms of flu in children are: Fever; Headache, pain in the body and throat; Runny nose and/or nasal obstruction; Tiredness; Generally not feeling well; Dry cough; Shivering; Eye inflammation. Digestive complaints such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea also happen more frequently in children. Children aged under 2 , even those who were previously healthy, are more likely to require hospital treatment as a result of serious complications of flu, such as: Pneumonia; Dehydration; Sinusitis; Otitis. How do children catch flu? If a child has not been vaccinated and has not previously had this specific viral type of flu, they can catch flu by breathing in or making contact with infected droplets that have been transmitted by a sick individual’s coughs and sneezes. Once contamination has taken place, the incubation period ranges from 48 to 72 hours. For how long are children contagious with flu? In general, patients may infect others from 1 day before they show symptoms to 5 days afterwards. However, smaller children may remain contagious for more than a week. It is very important that parents remain vigilant and do not to take the child to nursery or school during the first days of the disease, when it is at its most contagious. How is flu treated in children? The child should be kept at home and given medication for fever (paracetamol) at an age-appropriate dose. They should drink fluids frequently and apply saline nasal drops. Other types of treatment may need to be used following medical advice, such as: Sprays; Nasal drops; Antihistamine syrups. In some specific cases, antiviral drugs may be helpful. Antibiotics should be administered with caution, and only in cases of bacterial infection. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics, which are ineffective in the control of flu, can lead to the development of bacterial resistance - a public health problem that is currently increasingly significant in Portugal. How can we avoid children getting flu? Children should learn to wash their hands frequently and in the correct way. They should use soap and water or, preferably, alcohol-infused wipes. Tissues and wipes should be single use and placed in a bin. People who look after children should always wash their hands thoroughly : Before preparing food; Before and after changing nappies; Before performing other acts of childcare, such as cleaning the child’s nose, among other things. Toys and other items shared by children, such as tables and furniture, should be washed in the correct way at least once each day . Spaces occupied by children, both at home and in schools and nurseries, must be thoroughly ventilated. In the flu season, avoid very populated environments and hospital emergency departments , which should only be attended when absolutely necessary. When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth with a paper tissue or your forearm : do not use your hands. People with flu symptoms who come into contact with babies should wear a mask. The flu vaccine is recommended for children from the age of 6 months , and annual vaccination is required, preferably in October. Flu in children: what you need to remember Flu is a very contagious disease and can lead to serious complications. The groups most at risk are: Children under the age of 3; Adults over the age of 65; People with disabilities or chronic diseases. Hygiene practices are very important for reducing the spread of the virus. Treatment consists primarily of: Antipyretics (paracetamol); Abundant fluid intake; Rest. Antibiotics should be avoided unless bacterial infection is proven. Vaccination should be targeted at high-risk groups and managed carefully, as the number of vaccines available each year is limited. The vaccine should preferably be administered in October or the following months. In the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, there are paediatric specialists who monitor the health of children and young people. Meet the pediatrcis team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
