Influenza in children

Influenza is one of the most common viral infections that affects the respiratory tract. The infection is transmitted after contact with a carrier of the virus. This happens by airborne droplets, that is, during a kiss, when coughing, sneezing, etc.

flu symptoms in children

Influenza is one of the types of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). Its causative agent is, respectively, the influenza virus. Along with influenza, ARVI includes parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial infections. Influenza causes seasonal epidemics almost every year. About half of the patients are children and adolescents. Since children’s immunity is rather weak, the flu is often accompanied by the development of complications, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media and pneumonia.

There are many varieties of influenza viruses. The most common of these are types A, B, and C. Type A viruses most commonly cause seasonal epidemics and even pandemics in children.

The incubation or latent period in children can last 2 to 4 days. Later, an acute manifestation of flu symptoms begins – the temperature rises sharply (up to 38 ° C and above). The child is concerned about the symptoms of intoxication – weakness, lack of appetite, headache. At high temperatures, seizures may develop. In infants, the only manifestation of influenza may be fever. In children under the age of 5, rhinitis and cough are added to it. At an older age, in addition to the listed symptoms, perspiration, sore throat, chills and sweating may be disturbing.

In children, the flu often occurs with complications. They can be both respiratory, that is, with damage to the respiratory organs, and non-respiratory. With weakened immunity or untimely initiation of treatment, a viral infection often “descends” into the lower respiratory tract and causes tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. It is also possible to attach a bacterial infection, for example, streptococcus, pneumococcus, staphylococcus. These types of bacteria cause tonsillitis, otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia. Non-respiratory complications of influenza are myositis, myocarditis, encephalitis. They are more dangerous.

The most susceptible to severe complications are children under 2 years of age, and children with concomitant diseases (bronchial asthma, congenital heart defects, diabetes mellitus, kidney damage).

Types of flu in children

There are a large number of influenza viruses. However, the type A influenza virus most often causes epidemics. Everyone knows that people can become infected with various types of animal influenza – avian, swine, and so on. Humans become infected through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

Depending on the type of virus, the symptoms of the disease may vary in severity and duration of the incubation period. In some cases, an aggressive course with the development of severe complications is possible. Deaths can also be recorded.

intestinal flu

The expression “intestinal flu” is often used in everyday life. However, most people do not have a clear understanding of what kind of disease this is. As it turns out, it has nothing to do with the flu. The expression “intestinal flu” in everyday life refers to viral intestinal infections. The most common of these include rotavirus and norovirus.

The most common symptoms of these infections are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, weakness. That is, they are united with the flu only by high fever and symptoms of intoxication (headache, fever, weakness). Viral intestinal infections can be confused with banal poisoning. In fact, these are completely different diseases. Infection with intestinal viruses occurs through fresh and healthy, but thermally insufficiently processed fruits and vegetables.

The difference between poisoning and “stomach flu” is that the day after vomiting and diarrhea, the person gets better and gets better. With a viral infection, the symptoms of intoxication are headache, fever persist for several days.

The most dangerous viral intestinal infections in children 2 – 3 years. The child during the first days loses a large amount of fluid with vomiting. Dehydration at this age can be critical. With the addition of diarrhea, the situation is aggravated. Every year, thousands of children die from this seemingly harmless infection.

Treatment of influenza in children

With an increase in temperature in a child and the development of symptoms of intoxication (headache, sweating, severe weakness), it is necessary to consult a pediatrician. The child is shown bed rest, rest and plenty of fluids.

Flu Prevention in Children

Prevention of influenza consists in good nutrition, hardening, walking in the fresh air, washing hands, and ventilating the room in which the child is located. During the epidemic, it is advisable to avoid visiting places with large crowds of people, take multivitamins.

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