added details ←Older revision Revision as of 06:21, 22 May 2019 Line 1: Line 1: − Influenza is a common seasonal virus that...

Prevent Influenza in Children

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←Older revision Revision as of 06:21, 22 May 2019
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Influenza is a common seasonal virus that is highly contagious and can be dangerous for individuals with other medical conditions. Children are especially vulnerable if they go to school or daycare where many children are in close quarters together. However, there are good defenses against the flu. While the flu vaccine doesn't guarantee a flu-free season, it can stop your child from getting the flu, or at the very least, lessen the symptoms. It's also important to limit your child's exposure to the flu, as well as to practice good hygiene.
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Influenza is a common seasonal virus that is highly contagious and can be dangerous for individuals with other medical conditions. Children are especially vulnerable if they go to school or daycare where many children are in close quarters together. However, there are good defenses against the flu, and keep in mind, if your child does get the flu, getting them to the doctor right way for antiviral medicines can help control the illness. While the flu vaccine doesn't guarantee a flu-free season, it can stop your child from getting the flu, or at the very least, lessen the symptoms. It's also important to limit your child's exposure to the flu, as well as to practice good hygiene.
   
 
[[Category:Childhood Health]]
 
[[Category:Childhood Health]]
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#* Children with cochlear implants, anatomic and functional asplenia, or cerebrospinal fluid-oropharyngeal communication also can't get flu shots.  
 
#* Children with cochlear implants, anatomic and functional asplenia, or cerebrospinal fluid-oropharyngeal communication also can't get flu shots.  
 
# Ensure all adults around the child get vaccinated, too. This is especially important for babies under 6 months old and other children who can't get vaccinated. If all nearby adults are vaccinated, it makes it less likely that they will carry the flu to your child. Therefore, always encourage everyone who's around your child to get vaccinated each year.<Ref>http://bit.ly/2WigCIw>  
 
# Ensure all adults around the child get vaccinated, too. This is especially important for babies under 6 months old and other children who can't get vaccinated. If all nearby adults are vaccinated, it makes it less likely that they will carry the flu to your child. Therefore, always encourage everyone who's around your child to get vaccinated each year.<Ref>http://bit.ly/2WigCIw>  
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#* You may also want to limit your child's exposure to unvaccinated adults, particularly if your child can't be vaccinated.
   
   
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#* Plus, if the person has been vaccinated, the flu can appear milder, making them believe it's a less severe condition.  
 
#* Plus, if the person has been vaccinated, the flu can appear milder, making them believe it's a less severe condition.  
 
# Work to keep your child's health under control. Chronic illnesses can make your child more susceptible to the flu, so try to keep any conditions your child may have under control. Visit your pediatrician if something seems out of whack so that you can get your child's health back on track.<Ref>http://bit.ly/2M1tVcu>
 
# Work to keep your child's health under control. Chronic illnesses can make your child more susceptible to the flu, so try to keep any conditions your child may have under control. Visit your pediatrician if something seems out of whack so that you can get your child's health back on track.<Ref>http://bit.ly/2M1tVcu>
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#* Any chronic condition, such as asthma or even allergies, can put your child at higher risk for the flu.
 
#* Similarly, encourage a healthy lifestyle with your child, such as encouraging them to eat their fruits and vegetables and engaging them in regular physical activity.
 
#* Similarly, encourage a healthy lifestyle with your child, such as encouraging them to eat their fruits and vegetables and engaging them in regular physical activity.
 
# Avoid touching your face and teach your child to do the same. Germs are easily spread through this contact, and you're more likely to introduce the flu to your system if you bring the germs to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Try to keep your hands off your face as much as possible and encourage your child to do the same.<ref>http://bit.ly/2WdDB7H>
 
# Avoid touching your face and teach your child to do the same. Germs are easily spread through this contact, and you're more likely to introduce the flu to your system if you bring the germs to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Try to keep your hands off your face as much as possible and encourage your child to do the same.<ref>http://bit.ly/2WdDB7H>
 
# Seek treatment as soon as you notice symptoms of sickness. The flu can be treated with antiviral drugs, but it's best done within the first 48 hours. Getting treated will help limit the length of your illness, as well as reduce the amount of time you're contagious.<reF>http://bit.ly/2MbyUam>
 
# Seek treatment as soon as you notice symptoms of sickness. The flu can be treated with antiviral drugs, but it's best done within the first 48 hours. Getting treated will help limit the length of your illness, as well as reduce the amount of time you're contagious.<reF>http://bit.ly/2MbyUam>
# Arrange other care for your child if possible when you have symptoms. While, of course, this isn't an option for everyone, it can help keep your child from getting the flu. Try asking a family member to watch your child for a few days while you take medications to start clearing up your symptoms.<ReF>http://bit.ly/2WdDCbL>
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# Arrange other care for your child if possible when you have [[Treat the Flu|symptoms]]. While, of course, this isn't an option for everyone, it can help keep your child from getting the flu. Try asking a family member to watch your child for a few days while you take medications to start clearing up your symptoms.<ReF>http://bit.ly/2WdDCbL>
 
#* If you can't arrange alternative care, make sure you're practicing good hygiene and trying not to touch surfaces in your home without disinfecting them afterward.  
 
#* If you can't arrange alternative care, make sure you're practicing good hygiene and trying not to touch surfaces in your home without disinfecting them afterward.  
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#* Common symptoms include a cough, sore throat, headaches, body aches, runny nose, and extreme tiredness. Some people may also get a fever and have accompanying stomach issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting.<ReF>http://bit.ly/2M1ZTp4>
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=== Practicing Good Hygiene ===
 
=== Practicing Good Hygiene ===


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