The flu is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and causes high fevers, headaches, and general malaise, among other symptoms.
Children are the most likely to get the flu, as their immune systems are not highly developed, which makes them more vulnerable to all kinds of illnesses. For this reason, it is essential to know the habits that favor the spread of the flu in order to avoid them and reduce the chances of an epidemic, something frequent especially in the cold months. Keep reading this FastlyHealarticle if you want to know what to do to prevent flu in children.
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Tips to Prevent the Flu in Children
The flu virus is spread by direct contact with the infected person and by air, which means that it is possible to get the flu just by being close to the person who has it. Therefore, it is not surprising that schools are a prone environment for the spread of influenza in children. Thus, it is recommended to follow a series of tips to prevent our child from getting infected:
- Wash your hands: Hands are a great source of contagion, both from the flu virus and other microbes. Children tend to put their hands to their mouths, noses and faces in general, so if they touch something contaminated with the flu virus, they can catch it quickly if they do not wash their hands carefully. It is advisable to teach the little one good hygiene habits to prevent this and other contagious diseases.
- Do not share personal objects: although this is difficult in children, and more so in schools, it is very important to avoid sharing with the little one objects that a person affected by the flu has used, whether they are toys, clothes or any other type of utensil. It is recommended to periodically wash any item used by someone with the flu with soap and water.
- Good eating habits: a rich and balanced diet will help the child to strengthen his immune system against viruses and bacteria of all kinds, helping him to prevent diseases such as the flu. In the same way, correct hydration plays a fundamental role in this part, since it will promote the proper functioning of the body and cell regeneration. In the case of children, it is recommended to drink 1 liter of water a day.
In case you have to use tissues, it is preferable that they are to be used and thrown away, since their reuse could generate unwanted infections of the flu, in case of being infected. And if there is someone affected at home, when it comes to coughing and sneezing, it is advisable to wash your hands immediately, in order to prevent the spread of the flu in children.
What to do if the child has the flu?
In case our little one has been infected by the flu virus, it is advisable to follow a series of tips to help him recover, such as the following:
- Give him plenty of water: it is very important that you keep the little one well hydrated. Sweating caused by fever can lead to dehydration if your child is not drinking fluids.
- Feed him broths, purees and juices: at mealtime, the little one is most likely listless due to the virus. In these cases, it is preferable that you eat liquid foods, such as broths, purees and juices, as they will nourish and hydrate you at the same time.
- Rest: in a case of flu in children, rest is essential for their speedy recovery, since their immune system is very weakened, rest will help their body to fight the flu virus.
- Ventilate his room: as long as the virus is expelled, it is recommended to properly ventilate the child’s room, as well as wash the sheets every few days. Keep in mind that the flu virus will remain in the air and on objects that have touched the little one, hence the importance of good ventilation.
If the child has a high temperature, a medication for the relief of infant fever can be administered such as Nurofen Pediatric 20 mg / ml oral suspension orange or strawberry flavor and Nurofen Pediatric 40 mg / ml oral suspension strawberry flavor, which contains ibuprofen, and is indicated for the symptomatic relief of fever in children from 3 months of age, although in the case of children under 2 years of age, the pediatrician should always be consulted before administration. Do not administer in case of gastroduodenal ulcer. Read the package leaflet before using this medicine and consult your pharmacist.
Pediatric Nurofen is a drug from Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, SA
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.