Posted on March 4, 2023 at 11:06 pm

Health & Beauty

Flu Prevention and Treatment for Children: A Complete Guide

For some, the flu is not much more than an annoyance that has them sick at home for a few days. In other cases, the flu can be serious and even fatal, which is why taking risks with this disease is unwise. Don’t wait until the kids start showing signs of the flu to learn more. Prevention is important, as is knowing about the options that are available if the kids do get the flu.

Go to the Doctor

Pediatrician flu season Frisco Texas could start or worsen at any time. Parents may not want to bring their kids to a crowded doctor’s office filled with other ill individuals. However, the only person who can give direct and specific medical advice regarding a child is their pediatrician.

Some kids are allergic to certain medicines that are known for alleviating symptoms. Some kids have conditions that could be aggravated by the flu. Take children to the doctor if they are showing signs of the flu so the doctor can prescribe a treatment that is specific to a child’s needs. A virtual visit might also be possible. When going into a medical practice, wear a mask.

Rest and Stay Hydrated

In virtually any case involving the flu, getting enough rest and staying hydrated are important. Don’t push kids to keep up with school work or to get out of bed for some exercise when they are feeling ill. Having at least a couple of days to rest and relax is necessary for recovery. Put on some favorite television shows, or get out the coloring books. Also, make sure the children are drinking enough water. Depending on the age of the kids, they may need monitoring in terms of water intake. Hydration is key. 

Practice Basic Hygiene

Preventing the flu, especially when children are around each other in classrooms, extracurricular activities, and so forth, can be difficult, but kids still can take basic precautions. Encourage kids to wash their hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and playing in the dirt. Teach kids to sneeze into a tissue or their elbow if a tissue isn’t available. Another important step is to make getting the flu shot a basic practice in the family. Questions about concerns or allergies should be directed to the pediatrician. 

Wear a Mask

Another way to minimize the odds of children getting the flu is to ask them to wear masks. Kids may not want to wear masks all of the time, so consider the situations where they are more likely to get the flu. For example, wearing a mask while playing a sport is often a nuisance, so consider skipping masks during these extracurricular activities. 

On the other hand, if a lot of kids in the classroom are sick, asking children to wear a mask while they are at school can be helpful. If kids are really resistant to masks, let them know that it is just for a short period of time. Once flu season is over, they can go without masks again. 

It’s important to take steps to prevent the flu in children, as the consequences of this illness can be serious. However, keep in mind that prevention doesn’t always work, which is why it is important to communicate with the kids’ pediatrician. 

Please follow and like us: