Survival Tips for the Flu Season

Dr. Gwenn O’Keeffe, a pediatrician at North Shore Children’s Hospital, writes a weekly column on child health issues.

My family loves New England winters. We love the outdoor fun it provides and how the snow transforms the landscape into an almost enchanted wonderland. What we don’t love and actually dread, is the flu season. Have you noticed that the flu always strikes at the worst time possible – before a big party or school event, when you have no back up childcare, when your spouse is out of town, when you have something important going on at work? Its no wonder we all hope for a “quick” fix when we take our children to the doctor only to be disappointed when an antibiotic is not prescribed.

The medical reality is that the vast majority of all illnesses are viral and not bacterial. While both types of infections are caused by tiny germs, only bacterial infections are treated by antibiotics. Using an antibiotic for a viral infection not only is unnecessary but will have no impact on how quickly the infection resolves and actually promotes bacterial resistance. With exposure to antibiotics, bacteria learn how to out smart the drug rendering that drug ineffective. So, a simple bacterial infection such as an ear infection or an infected cut could become life-threatening.

While a virus is usually self-limited, the illness often lasts 1-2 weeks and there are many things you can do at home ward off potentially serious complications and be prepared if they occur.

1. When in doubt, call your doctor – anytime day or night, including holidays. All offices have someone available for phone advice and emergencies even when the office itself is not open.

2. Don’t feel pressure to rush your child to a doctor at the first sign of illness. Really look at your child and ask yourself how ill he appears. Certainly very young infants and children and children that are very sick appearing likely need to be seen rather urgently but for all others, give the situation a day or so more to evolve. Keep in close contact with your child’s doctor to help you decide when it makes sense for a formal office visit.

3. Remember that fever is a sign of illness, not a diagnosis. In children, a temperature of 100.5 or greater is considered a fever. Many children do look sick when they have a fever and are uncomfortable. Don’t be scarred to give children over 3 months of age acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). Be sure to give the correct dose – follow the guidelines on the label or ask your doctor or pharmacist. If our child is 3 months or younger, call your doctor first for advice.

4. Keep your house stocked with flu-friendly foods: gatorade, Pedialyte, jello, Popsicles, soup, and bland solids like cheerios, bananas, rice, apple sauce or saltines. Fluid intake important in every illness even those without vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration can be serious and is most easily treated if identified early. Worrisome symptoms include refusing to drink, no tears when crying, dry mouth and lips, no wet diapers or urine output in 8-12 hours, and lethargy. Children with these symptoms should be evaluated fairly quickly either in your doctor’s office or your local emergency room.

5. Avoid the temptation to give your children over-the-counter cold products, especially for children under 2 years of age. They often do not work well in young children and have many unwanted side-effects from as sleeplessness and hyperactivity to drowsiness. Your doctor can help you decide if an over-the-counter medication makes sense for your child.

Have a healthy, safe week and flu-free week!

© 2005 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved. PEDIATRICS NOW is a trademark of Pediatrics Now.

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