Health

The Flu is not just a bad cold

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Pediatricians have always worried that parents think of the flu as a bad cold when that is not the case. Children have smaller airways, placing them at risk for respiratory complications from flu. The combination of high fevers and feeling unwell can also make it hard for children to drink fluids and can quickly lead to dehydration.

influenza in children

Influenza in children can be quite dangerous.

Historically, flu has been recognized as a disease that can cause serious illness and death in children. However, because it is so often confused with a bad cold, pediatricians and parents may not know when to be concerned — which is extremely important, because healthy children can experience serious complications from the flu.

Flu can cause dehydration, a dangerous condition and it is important to remember that the flu can spread quickly to family members

Parents may not realize how serious the flu can be for children and when parents call the doctor, they often say, “It’s just a cold,” but pediatricians have always worried that parents think of the flu as a bad cold when that is not the case. Children have smaller airways, placing them at risk for respiratory complications from the flu. The combination of high fevers and feeling unwell can also make it hard for children to drink fluids and can quickly lead to dehydration. Flu can spread quickly to family members

influenza in children

Make sure that you check with your pediatrician if your child is having trouble breathing.

Due to the fact that children have smaller airways, they have a much higher risk for respiratory complications from flu. The combination of high fevers and feeling unwell can also make it hard for children to drink fluids and can quickly lead to dehydration.

When a child is hospitalized with the flu, parents may think it’s just a bad cold. However, pediatricians are concerned that parents may not realize how serious the illness can be in children, and that they can develop dangerous complications. It is important to explore the complications related to influenza in children so parents may understand the signs of the flu so they can get help if their child becomes sick.

It isn’t only the children with high-risk medical conditions that get sick from influenza or develop complications.

Anyone can, so that’s why it is so important to protect yourself with vaccination.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC both recommend that children be vaccinated starting at 6 months of age. Children 6 months through 8 years who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time should receive two doses one month apart.