Treating the flu at home

Treating the flu at home

While flu season typically runs from November through March, this year's bug was an early bird, striking in October in some parts of the country. The flu may have already peaked in many areas by the time you read this. On the other hand, flu rates may rise again through another wave of contamination or the emergence of new strains.

Influenza (flu) is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms may include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. In children, the flu can also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

"We expect to hear from plenty of worried parents in the next few months," says Kristin Chapman, M.D., a pediatrician in the Pasadena office. "It's very difficult to see your child suffer through flu symptoms, including a fever of 103º or more."

Most children with the flu do not need to see a doctor as long as parents treat the symptoms at home. Remember:

Your child needs lots of bed rest, extra fluids and light, easy-to-digest meals, like rice, pasta or bread. It is not unusual for children with a fever to refuse solid food for the first day or so, but it is essential to replenish lost fluids. Give your child whatever he or she will take: water, diluted juice, Pedialyte, clear soups, Jello, and even Popsicles.
Give your child an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce the fever.If your child is drinking plenty of fluids, ibuprofen(Motrin or Advil) is another option for managing symptoms. Ibuprofen is particularly helpful for that "achiness" kids get with the flu.
Don't give your child aspirin because of the increased risk of Reye's Syndrome, a potentially serious illness almost always associated with the use of aspirin in viral infections.
Try lukewarm baths to relieve fever and relax a fretful child.
Cool-mist humidifiers can help clear nasal passages.
An easy way to add moisture to your child's lungs is to spend 20 minutes or so in the bathroom together with the door closed and all the hot water taps turned on.
Your doctor may suggest a cough medicine for bedtime, but during the day, it's best to let your child cough out the mucus.
Antibiotics do not attack the flu virus, but may be prescribed if your child has a bacterial infection along with the flu. That's why fluids are so important: thin, watery mucus is less hospitable to bacteria.

"With a little TLC from mom and dad, most children get over the flu on their own," says Susan Chiriboga, M.D., of HMF'sArcadia office. "Still, parents should watch their child closely for signs the illness is escalating."

See the doctor if your child:

has asthma, a suppressed immune system, diabetes, a heart condition, or other chronic health problems that could be compounded by a bout with the flu;
is less than three months old and has a fever greater than 101º F;
has a fever higher than 101º F for more than three days or new onset of fever after three days of illness;
has difficulty breathing, chest pains or wheezing;
has fever accompanied by other symptoms such as cough, ear pain, or inconsolable crying for an hour or two;
is not taking in enough fluids and therefore not urinating as often as usual; or
is extremely lethargic or appears confused.