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Overview
 ‘Flu’ is the short term used for ‘influenza’.
Caused by viral infection of the nose, throat and chest.
Cold and flu is more likely to occur in children than adults.
A child may develop cold and flu up to eight times a year compared to two or three for adults.
Signs & Symptoms
The Common Cold
Onset of symptoms is 1-4 days after infection
Cold symptoms in children include:
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Fever (37.7 to 39°C)
Runny nose
Cough
Headache
Sore throat
Tummy upset
Convulsions, attributed to fever
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Flu
Symptoms similar to the common cold (see above) but usually more severe. These are also accompanied by:
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General aches and pains
Chills
Pain or burning sensation in eyes
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Self care
Keep your child warm in bed and maintain a normal temperature for 48 hours – this will aid the body’s defense against the virus.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of water
Make sure your child blows his/her nose gently one nostril at a time – this is important to prevent nasal secretions from entering and infecting the sinus/middle ear.
To prevent spread of the infection, quarantine your child where possible. Good hygiene (proper disposal of used tissues and frequent hand washing) is important.
Treatment
No cure. Treatment is usually to ameliorate the symptoms thus enabling the immune system to deal with the infection.
Medicines that may help relieve your child’s symptoms include:
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Decongestants (e.g. oxymetazoline, pseudoephrine) - reduce runny or blocked nose, thus easing breathing. This may also relieve headache where present.
Antihistamines (e.g cetrizine, loratadine) - reduce mucus secretion and relieve watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose
Expectorants – loosen mucus in the airways
Cough suppressants - act on the cough centre in the brain to reduce frequency of dry cough
Pain killers – (e.g paracetamol for children > 1 month old; ibuprofen for children > 6 months old) relieve aches and headaches. Aspirin is NOT suitable for children and adolescents under 16 years old.
Antipyretics (e.g. Panadol) – relieve fever
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Prior on purchasing the medication, you should get proper consultation from your medical practitioner or pharmacist.
Supplements
Vitamin C – for prevention and treatment of cold and flu.
Cod Liver oil - increase immune system
Esberitox – Form of herbal that posses anti-viral property to fight against influenza.
Echinacea – Increase immune system. Effecttive against cold.
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