How to keep your kids safe from the flu
/Hi everyone!
Winnie here! Happy New Year and welcome to the first post of 2020! In the week leading up to the new year, we travelled to Michigan to visit the inlaws, and found that my sister-in-law and her family was laid low with the flu. It started with my nephew, quickly spread to the others and then, unsurprisingly, by the time we returned to New York, we were all inflicted.
The flu (short for influenza) is a contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the influenza virus. Read on to learn about the flu and what you can do to prevent it. This season has had particularly high instances of influenza, so please keep your loved ones safe. According to the latest CDC data, “between 4.6 million and 6.6 million people in the U.S. have been stricken with the flu so far this season” and it is widespread in New York.
How do you know if your child has the flu?
The flu is spread through contact, coughing, or sneezing. People are most contagious in the first three or four days after illness begins. Symptoms typically include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue and vomiting. Initially, my daughter had a runny nose, cough, and recurring sneeze that we assumed was a common cold, but after a visit to the pediatrician and a quick flu test, it was confirmed that she had the flu.
There are a number of different flu tests available, but the most common flu test is called the rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT). Using a swab to swipe the inside of the child’s nose or the back of the throat, the pediatrician can get results within ten to fifteen minutes.
How do parents avoid getting the flu when their children are sick?
It’s one thing to take care of a child who has the flu, but another thing when your whole family comes down with it and you’re sick yourself. During this rampant flu season, here are some tips to prevent spreading the illness.
If a member of your family gets sick, they’ll need to limit contact with everyone else. Stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.
You’ll need to disinfect surfaces and wash your hands before and after contact with the sick person.
Make sure to cover coughs and sneezes. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands with soap and water.
Visit the pediatrician for possible treatment with flu antiviral drugs. (Though keep in mind there has been some very negative press on Tamiflu, so do your research before committing to this medication).
That’s it for this week! Have a healthy new year! Don’t forget to check out our exclusive list of every children's library program in Westchester. For more events and musings, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. And if you like what you're reading, please sign up for our once-weekly email of events and ideas in the wonderful world of Westchester parenting.
See you next time!
Winnie
