health and wellness

Protecting your kids from colds and flu

Wednesday, October 1, 2014    Healthfeed Staff

Every year at that this time, parents work hard to keep their kids healthy from regular cold and flu bugs. This year, they have a new risk to look out for.  

A serious respiratory infection called Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)is affecting kids in nearly every state. To help parents learn more about children’s health this season, we asked LifeWise assistant medical director and pediatrician Dr. Neil Kaneshiro to talk about this new virus, how to spot early signs that their child could become severely ill, and how best to prevent it and other common illnesses.    

Q: We’re hearing about a serious virus out there. What is it?  

A: There are many viruses out there that cause colds and flu. Most recently we’ve encountered the Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a mild to severe upper respiratory illness. It’s a viral infection with common symptoms – runny nose, sneezing, cough and possibly a fever. Most often, children recover in about a week without complications. But some children, particularly those with asthma, are having difficulty breathing (which may take the form of wheezing). So this illness may start out looking like just an average cold, but it’s vital to always keep an eye on your child. If they have difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.    

Q: What’s the difference between colds and flu?  

Colds and flu are both upper respiratory infections caused by viruses. At onset, both present similar symptoms of a sore throat, runny nose and cough. However, cold symptoms tend to be milder and more short-lived than the flu, which often includes high fever and body aches. Unlike colds, the flu can usually be prevented by getting an annual vaccine (flu shot).

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Q: Will my child need an antibiotic for cough and congestion?  

Most colds and flu have mild symptoms that are relieved with over-the-counter products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. Common cold and flu viruses don’t need to be treated with an antibiotic. However, if a child with a cold gets a secondary infection, such as an ear infection, then he or she may need treatment with an antibiotic (which fights off bacteria). And if a child has a severe cough, difficulty breathing or a high fever (over 101 degrees persisting for three days), parents should call their doctor.      

Q: Is there a difference between regular flu and stomach flu?

Many parents ask me about that, and the answer is yes. The respiratory (“regular”) flu attacks the nose, throat and lungs and can be prevented by getting an annual flu shot (or vaccine). The intestinal “flu” attacks your digestive tract, with symptoms including fever, vomiting and diarrhea. This intestinal illness is not prevented with the flu vaccine. The major concern with the intestinal flu is dehydration, so parents need to make sure the child drinks plenty of fluids. With stomach flu, it’s best to call your doctor for guidance.        

Q: So what can parents do to reduce the risk of their child getting sick?

The best way is by washing hands often with soap and water for about 20 seconds. Make it fun for the younger kids by singing a favorite nursery rhyme, ABCs or Happy Birthday — twice. If water is unavailable, use hand sanitizer. Also, encourage kids to contain coughs and sneezes with something like the sleeve of their shirt or a tissue. It’s better for everyone if they aren’t projected into the air we all share.     

If you know of someone who’s sick, have their kids avoid close contact with them until they’re better. If your child is sick, keep them home and pay a little more attention to disinfecting surfaces such as toys, doorknobs and tables. Also, keep an eye on things that a sick child touches — like food, cups or utensils — and make sure those things aren’t shared with other people in your family.  

 

 

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