You know when your phone battery dies and it has JUST enough energy to throw out that sad, flat battery symbol? Well, that very sad, flat battery symbol was me, caring for my children with Influenza while having Influenza.
Influenza, also known as the Flu, is an infection caused by a strain of the influenza virus. It mainly affects the nose, throat, and lungs, although it can involve other parts of the body. In healthy children it often presents similar to a bad cold; however, it can cause more serious illness, especially in very young children and those with chronic medical conditions. It occurs mainly during the winter months with a new slightly different strain each year.
When your little ones are unwell, the long days turn into even longer nights so it’s important to set yourself up with all the right tools such as:
👉 A medication tracker and marker
👉 A lockable medication bag full of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and oral hydration solutions
Here are some tried and tested tips and information to guide you through Influenza.
A day in the life of the flu
The days are long and miserable. Rest, fluids, and plenty of snuggles are important in your child's recovery, but knowing when to seek help for red flags in your child's condition is the real key! Here is what to expect for a child's typical Flu days.
Day 0
Contact has been made with the Virus 1-7 days prior
Day 1
Ready, set, FLU TIME! Their little bodies start to build up a huge defence which is why you’ll see the quick onset of some or all of these symptoms over the day:
🦠Lethargy (tiredness)
🦠Temperatures
🦠Body aches
🦠Runny nose
🦠Coughing/ sore throat
🦠Headache
Day 2 + 3
This is often when your child will be at their worst. You may find that they aren’t interested in food, and that’s OK! As long as they continue to drink plenty of water and oral hydration solutions.
Day 4
The body aches and temperatures start to settle, however, those little runny noses and barking cough will remain for a few more days to come.
Day 5
Active recovery begins. You may see a noticeable improvement in your child as their bodies go through a recovery and healing process from the virus.
Tips for care at home
👉 As the saying goes, “Just add water”. Warm baths + showers can make all the difference. Throw in some cuddles and you’ve got yourself a contact shower. Water can be an amazing tool in soothing your little one when all else fails. Holding them against your skin can be a great way to help regulate their body temperature.
👉 Let your child cuddle a cool pack or apply one to the base of their neck to provide comfort during a high temperature. It’s important to remember to watch the child and not the number on the thermometer. ( 3 months of age or under with a temperature of 38°C or more should be taken to the Emergency Department).
👉 Provide your child with oral rehydration solutions (your pharmacy will advise you of the best brand and dosage based on your child's age). Use your *dehydration tracker* to guide you through the days. Dehydration is dangerous for any age group and requires medical attention.
👉 Hydration icypoles are a great way to get fluids into your child. Avoid drinks with a high sugar content such as lemonade or sports drinks as these can make dehydration worse.
👉 Paracetamol and ibuprofen are great ways to reduce pain and discomfort in your little one. Always seek advice from your pharmacist or GP.
👉 Aspirin should NEVER be given to a child due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a potentially life-threatening illness.
👉 Antibiotics are not helpful in treating Influenza as they do not fight a virus, only bacterial infections. Tamiflu (antiviral medication) has been found to be effective if given within 48hrs of the onset of symptoms for children as young as 2 weeks old.
👉 If your child has a pre-existing medical condition, your GP may consider an antiviral medication to assist in your child's recovery.
Time to put your scrubs on
Knowing when your child needs that extra support from your GP or the emergency department is crucial in your child’s recovery.
When to seek medical advice and attention:
🚩 Your child is showing signs of troubled breathing
🚩 Your child is showing signs of dehydration
🚩 Your child has a pre-existing medical condition that has become worse (eg. Asthma)
🚩Your child has a fever over 38°C (under 3 months of age)
🚩Your child has a fit or seizure
🚩Your child has a change to their normal skin colour
🚩 Your child is drowsy or unresponsive
🚩 You are concerned about your child
🚩 Your child is not showing improvement/ getting worse
Staying home
Did you know that the time you are most contagious is in the 24 hours before symptoms appear? No wonder it’s so hard to slow down the spread of this awful virus. Adults can remain contagious for up to 7 days with children for up to 10 days. It’s important to let your child's daycare or school know if your child has a confirmed case of Influenza. Organisations should take measures to help reduce the spread by notifying families of those who have been in contact with the infected child.
Whilst the Flu is known to spread easily, it is important to remember that we can help minimise the spread by using and teaching our little ones good hand hygiene in conjunction with sneezing and coughing etiquette.
THE SAD FACTS
The 2023 season summary report by the Centre for Disease Control showed an increase in hospital-reported deaths in children under 16 years of age which is higher than in many pre-pandemic years. Of 39 reported hospital deaths across Australia, 9 of these were sadly children which is significantly higher than the previous year with 2 children lost to Influenza.
VACCINE INFO 💉
We know vaccines are a great way to prevent illness however in 2023 our vaccine rates were at a low of 32% coverage of our population. The Flu vaccine is available and recommended annually for all persons aged 6 months of age and older. It is particularly important for those who are at greater risk such as pregnant women, children under the age of 5, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. It is an effective way to reduce the chances of your child getting the Flu or reducing the length and severity of the virus.
Our Tiny Hearts First Aid course ensures that you are prepared to take action when your little one is waving those red flags 🚩! A refresher course each year is a great way to get ready for the Wintertime sick season.