Autumn and winter, influenza (abbreviated as influenza) into the peak season, many children are targeted by the flu.
So how do you keep your kids safe from the flu? Take a look at these tips to prevent and treat the flu.
Why are autumn and winter the most common flu seasons Influenza patients and recessive infected persons are the main sources of influenza infection. Influenza viruses are spread mainly through droplets such as sneezing and coughing, but also through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose and eyes. Infection can also occur after contact with items contaminated with the virus. In autumn and winter, when the temperature drops, people stay indoors for a long time and have closer contact with people who may be carrying the virus. The virus in human respiratory secretions generally lasts for 3 ~ 6 days, and the detoxification time of infants and children and patients with impaired immune function can be more than 1 week. What's the difference between flu and the common cold The flu is not a common cold. Although the clinical manifestations are similar, the risk of serious complications and death from influenza is much greater than that of the common cold. Let's take a look at the main differences: Which kids are at high risk for the flu Children are not only susceptible to influenza, but also at high risk of severe influenza. Children < 5 years old (especially < 2 years old) are more likely to develop severe influenza. Children with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, kidney disease, obesity, malignant tumors, and immunocompromised, are also at high risk of getting the flu and developing serious complications. If the child has abnormal conditions, he or she should see a doctor as soon as possible and receive treatment under the guidance of the doctor. How should parents care for their children with the flu If a child is diagnosed with influenza, they should separate their household items and toys from other family members and boil them for more than 30 minutes or disinfect them with disinfectants such as ethanol and iodophor. The room should be ventilated. Children fever period to have a full rest, appropriate to drink more water, at the same time, parents do not worry and blindly indiscriminate use of antibiotics (that is, "anti-inflammatory drugs"), because antibiotics can not treat viral infection, unreasonable use may also lead to children liver, kidney damage, or because of drug resistance "superbacteria" infection. Generally speaking, people with mild cases can go home and take medication for observation, while those with severe cases need to be hospitalized. What are the effective ways to prevent influenza Although most influenza is self-limiting, it can develop into severe influenza, resulting in physical and mental distress in children, absences from work and school for parents and children, and increased rates of hospitalization and other disease burdens. Therefore, in the face of influenza, "prevention" rather than "cure". The main preventive measures are as follows: 1. Get Vaccinated: Currently, getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) around the world develop vaccines based on predicted flu strains, so flu shots are given every year. 2. Daily diet: A reasonable arrangement of diet can also effectively improve the body's resistance, so that the cold virus will not hit themselves, meat more vegetarian less, balanced with a variety of nutrients, can supplement some vitamin c. 3. Drug prevention: Although vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza, in the outbreak of influenza, some special circumstances, such as influenza vaccine contraindications or high risk children who have not achieved the optimal immune effect within 2 weeks of vaccination, after contact with influenza patients can take medication for emergency prevention. In particular, parents should not easily give children under 3 months of age drug prevention, must listen to the advice of doctors. 4. Physical exercise: the emergence of influenza is related to the condition of immunity, patients with low immunity may lead to serious flu symptoms, in daily life need to pay attention to nutrition, active participation in physical exercise. 5. Other measures: Wash hands frequently, using soap or hand sanitizer, washing hands with running water and wiping hands with a clean towel; Keep the environment clean and indoor ventilation; Reduce crowds and wear masks when going out. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. To prevent colds, Remember the rhymes Flu season, remember; Wash your hands frequently, get used to it; More ventilation, to prevent cold; Do not gather, wear a mask; Exercise and get vaccinated; Prevent the flu as early as possible.
