The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. The symptoms are often enough to diagnose the flu. Your child’s provider may do other tests, depending on your child’s symptoms and overall health.
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Important to note that a cold and the flu have different symptoms:
Cold symptoms Flu symptoms Low or no fever High fever Sometimes a headache Headache in most cases Stuffy, runny nose Clear nose, or stuffy nose in some cases Sneezing Sneezing in some cases Mild, hacking cough Cough, often turning severe Mild body aches Severe body aches Mild tiredness Extreme tiredness that can last weeks Sore… Continue reading Important to note that a cold and the flu have different symptoms:
What are the symptoms of the flu in a child?
The flu is a respiratory disease, but it can affect the whole body. A child can become suddenly ill with any or all of these symptoms: Fever, which may be as high as 103°F (39.4°C) to 105°F (40.5°C) Body aches, which may be severe Headache Sore throat Cough that gets worse Tiredness Runny or stuffy… Continue reading What are the symptoms of the flu in a child?
Which peds are at risk for the flu?
A child is more at risk for the flu if he or she: Is around people infected with the flu Has not had the flu vaccine Does not wash his or her hands after touching infected surfaces Young children and children with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk for a hospital stay or… Continue reading Which peds are at risk for the flu?
What causes the flu in a child?
The flu is caused by flu viruses. Flu viruses are divided into 3 types: Influenza types A and B. These 2 types of viruses cause widespread illness (epidemics) almost every winter. They often lead to more people needing to go to the hospital, and more people dying from the flu. Public health officials focus on stopping… Continue reading What causes the flu in a child?
Influenza (Flu) in peds
What is the flu in peds? Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. It is one of the most severe and common viral illnesses of the winter season. Most children are ill with the… Continue reading Influenza (Flu) in peds
Ear Infection Prevention
There are several steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk of developing ear infections, including: Vaccinate your child: Children who are up-to-date on their vaccines get fewer ear infections than their unvaccinated counterparts. The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) protects against 13 types of infection-causing bacteria. Consider breastfeeding: Breast milk contains antibodies that may help reduce the… Continue reading Ear Infection Prevention
Over 2 years
With children over the age of 2, ear infections that are not severe are likely to clear on their own, without treatment. “In the meantime, you can treat pain with over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen If there’s no improvement after two to three days, antibiotics may be warranted. Unfortunately, some children suffer from… Continue reading Over 2 years
6 months to 2 years
For children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends shared decision-making between parents and providers about whether to treat ear infections that are not severe. The best course is often to watch the child for two to three days before prescribing antibiotic treatment. If the child… Continue reading 6 months to 2 years
Under 6 months
Babies under six months almost always receive antibiotics. At this age, children are not fully vaccinated. Equally important, there’s no research about the safety of skipping antibiotics for babies under 6 months of age — and complications from ear infections can be more severe when they occur in young babies. Bacteria trapped behind the eardrum… Continue reading Under 6 months