During fall, the temperature is cooling down to chilly temperatures in the South—from 56 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this spells warm cocoa weather, it also means that flu season is here.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults in the United States typically have about two to three colds yearly. Kids, on the other hand, go through a lot more than that.
Children are more susceptible to colds and respiratory illnesses than most adults because their immune systems are still getting used to the world around them. A child’s weak immune system is also the reason why cases of flu are more dangerous to young children than they are to adults.
Flu and Kids
Flu can keep some kids in bed for a couple of days before recovering as if nothing happened. However, if your child exhibits the following symptoms, it is best to seek urgent care.
- 104 degrees Fahrenheit temperature or higher
- Fast or difficulty in breathing
- Chest and muscle pains
- Bluish face or lips
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Chronic medical condition worsening
- Cough and fever worsens after it seemingly improves
Flu and Younger Kids
It is more difficult to recognize some of these symptoms when your child cannot express themselves clearly or are still too young. In these cases, look out for the following signs in addition to the ones above.
- Not urinating for at least eight hours
- Dry mouth
- Crying without tears
- Any signs of fever for twelve-week old babies
- Not being alert when awake
Flu Treatment for Kids
Your child’s doctor can determine if your kid should take antiviral medication. This prescribed medication may come in liquid, pill, powder, or IV forms. Antiviral medicine stops the flu virus from reproducing.
Choosing a clinic that offers urgent care for kids early on can help in these situations. Since they work closely with your child’s pediatrician, they can have access to your kid’s medical history. Doing so allows them to provide the appropriate medication based on their situation, even when your doctor’s office hours are over for the day.
Flu Relief
If your doctor did not see the need for antivirals, then flu relief for your child can come in the form of warm soup and liquids. Some relief can also come from steam inhalation therapy, saline nasal spray or drops, lozenges, and honey. But what they need is a lot of rest and fluids.
Never give antibiotics to kids without your doctor’s explicit advice. Do not give antibiotics to anyone with cases of flu and colds either. Antibiotics fight bacteria and not viruses. Viruses cause colds and cases of flu. Therefore, antibiotics cannot treat cases of flu and cold and may cause more harm than good.
Conclusion
Flu season is here, and, as cliché as it may sound, prevention is always better than cure. This is why getting flu shots and updating them yearly is the best way to decrease the risk of seasonal flu in your home.
In the event that your child is exhibiting severe flu symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. In case your child’s physician is unavailable, or the symptoms worsen after hours, do not panic and do not give your child any antibiotics. Bring your child to the nearest urgent pediatric care clinic, and they can provide the medical care that your child needs.
When you require one of the best clinics that offer urgent care in Orlando, FL, to see your ill child, then turn to Your Kid’s Urgent Care. We provide convenient telemedicine and superior urgent pediatric care services for newborns, infants, toddlers, and older children. Contact us today for your child’s consultation!
