If the child coughs and feels uncomfortable, a cold does not always have to be the cause – because especially with a high fever that increases within a few hours, it can be flu. What other symptoms are typical? You can find out more about the flu in children here.
- Symptoms appear suddenly within a few hours
- The flu can last up to two weeks
- a visit to the pediatrician is definitely advisable
- vaccination against flu is recommended for previous illnesses
My child has the flu – how did it get infected??
Especially in the winter months, it can happen that the child suddenly lies in bed with the flu. It is triggered by influenza viruses and can up to two weeks last for. Especially Kindergarten or primary school children are at risk of catching the flu. The reason: there are a lot of children in a relatively narrow space, who have even more physical contact when playing at that age than older children in secondary schools. This increases the risk of infection.
The Transmission of the flu virus can run in different ways. When sneezing or coughing, for example, innumerable small drops of saliva are thrown into the air, which can contain pathogens. If another person inhales these droplets, the pathogens can affect his respiratory tract (droplet infection).
But even when playing together, children can become infected with the flu: either through direct contact or by touching toys or other objects on which there are flu viruses (so-called Contact or smear infection).
Symptoms of the flu in children
The flu usually starts in children (as well as in adults) sudden high fever, that can reach 39 degrees Celsius and more. The following flu symptoms are common:
- great fatigue
- malaise
- Headache and body aches
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- sniff
- Cough and hoarseness
Parents should note that the flu in children can often be accompanied by atypical symptoms. Many complain Stomach ache, nausea or have to vomit. On rash without a recognizable cause is also part of the possible symptoms.
Flu or flu infection – this is how parents can differentiate the disease
It is often not easy for parents to judge whether their child has one Flu or a flu-like infection Has. A distinction is useful, however, since both diseases are triggered by different viruses and have different degrees of severity:
- The real flu – also called influenza – is caused by Influenza viruses causes and has a significantly more severe course than a cold. The symptoms usually appear within a short time and are more pronounced. Children are usually weak and tired with the flu.
- A cold that is also called gripal infect on the other hand, can be caused by more than 200 different viruses. It is usually not as severe as the flu. Sick children feel less beaten up.
When the child gets flu again better goes is different. The symptoms can subside after three to four days; sometimes it takes up to two weeks for the offspring to feel fit again.
Flu in children: the doctor can do that
If you suspect that your child has the flu, one is Consultation with a doctor is advisable. He can examine the child thoroughly and, if necessary, prescribe means to lower the fever. Since fever is useful in principle – albeit unpleasant – it should not be reduced in every case. Antipyretic measures are useful if the body temperature is very high is high and / or the child is very weak as a result.
You should also see a doctor for the following symptoms:
- The symptoms do not improve after a week.
- The fever does not go down or rises again after a week.
- The child breathes quickly and noisily.
- Severe earache develops.
Breathing problems are particularly problematic because they can indicate pneumonia. Pneumonia is just as possible as middle ear or tonsillitis Complications from flu. One is also conceivable bacterial secondary infection (superinfection), because the child is weakened by the flu, so that other pathogens have an easy time of it. If the doctor detects such a bacterial infection, he will administer appropriate antibiotics for treatment on a case-by-case basis.
Flu in children: what parents can do?
Children with flu primarily need Peace and time to relax – and not to forget the care of their parents. Ideally, a parent stays at home for a few days and takes care of the sick child. The closeness and the feeling that someone cares for you can often be very beneficial.
In addition, children should regularly encouraged to drink water and warm tea are ideal. Cold calf wraps can help to lower the fever gently. If the child’s nose and sinuses are blocked with stuck secretions or if the child is very coughing, plant-based expectorants sometimes help to liquefy the secretions – the body can then remove them more easily.
Vaccination against flu – useful for children?
Children, as well as adults, have the option of getting vaccinated against the flu. The Standing Vaccination Committee (STIKO) does not explicitly recommend this in healthy children. meaningful is a vaccination, however in children with congenital immunodeficiency and chronic diseases such as asthma or cardiovascular diseases.
The flu shot must refreshed annually become. The influenza viruses are constantly evolving, so the vaccine also has to be adjusted every year. Since it takes a few weeks for the vaccination protection to be active, parents should have their children vaccinated in autumn – before the flu season starts.
You might also be interested in these articles:
GeloMyrtol® forte. An .: For mucus solution u. Ease of coughing b. acute and chron. Bronchitis. For expectoration b. Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). Z. Anw. B. Adults, adolescents and Children from 6 years. Contains. Sorbitol. Read the information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist about risks and side effects. Pohl-Boskamp (11)
Myrtol®. An .: For mucus solution u. Ease of coughing b. acute and chron. Bronchitis. For expectoration b. Inflammation d. Sinuses (sinusitis). To application b. Adults, adolescents and Children from 6 years. Contains. Sorbitol. Read the information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist about risks and side effects. Pohl-Boskamp (8)
GeloProsed ® Anw .: Z. Relief d. Symptoms of Cold diseases and. flu infections, w. Pain, a headache, Sore throat and Fever when this m. a swelling d. Nasal mucosa. F. Erw., Elder People u. Jugendl. from 12 years. Contains. Aspartame and Sodium. Read the information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist about risks and side effects. Pohl-Boskamp (4)
GeloDurat® ointment. App .: Z. external app. Z. Improvement d. Health b. Colds d. Airways (w. Uncomplicated runny nose, hoarseness and uncomplicated bronchial catarrh). Contains. Eucalyptus oil u. Levomenthol. Read the information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist about risks and side effects. Pohl-Boskamp (7).
GeloBronchial® juice: Active ingredient: fluid extract from thyme herb. An .: Colds d. Respiratory tract viscous mucus, e.g. Get better d. Complaints b. acute bronchitis. Contains. Invert sugar u. 6.3 Vol. % Alcohol. Read the information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist about risks and side effects. Pohl-Boskamp (14)
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