FLU AND INFLUENZA

Influenza is an illness caused by a respiratory virus. There are three different influenza viruses: types A, B and C. The usual epidemics of the flu are caused by either A or B. Each of these viruses also has different subgroups or strains, so that each year, the flu virus that causes the majority of the cases of the flu is slightly different. That's why individuals at high risk for serious or complicated influenza infection should receive a flu shot every year.

Symptoms of Influenza

You can suspect that your child has the flu if you observe the following signs or symptoms:

· Sudden onset of fever (usually above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius)

· Chills and shakes accompanying the fever

· Extreme tiredness or fatigue

· Muscle aches and pains

· Dry, hacking cough

After the first few days of these symptoms, a sore throat, stuffy nose and continuing cough become most evident. The flu can last a week or even longer. A child with a common cold usually has a lower degree of fever, a runny nose and only a small amount of coughing. Children or adults with the flu usually feel much more sick, achy and miserable.

How Influenza Spreads

Influenza is spread from person to person by direct contact by virus particles being passed through the air (by coughing, for example) or by a person with the flu contaminating objects with virus-containing nasal secretions. When there is an outbreak or epidemic, usually during the winter months, the spread tends to be most pronounced in preschool or school-age children. Adult caretakers are then easily exposed and can contract the disease. The virus is usually transmitted in the first several days of the illness.

Complications of Influenza

Fortunately, there are usually no serious complications for otherwise healthy children. You might suspect a complication if your child says that his ear hurts or that he feels all congested in his face and head or if his cough and fever persist. Occasionally, an ear infection, sinus infection or pneumonia might develop, in which case you should notify your pediatrician.

Very rarely, there is a risk of developing Reye syndrome. The incidence of this disorder seems to have diminished significantly with the awareness that it may be associated with aspirin use during viral illnesses and the consequent decrease in the use of aspirin to treat symptoms of the flu or chickenpox.

Children who appear to be at greatest risk for complications from the flu are those with an underlying chronic medical condition, such as heart disease, lung disease, an immune problem, some blood diseases or malignancy. As these children may have more severe disease or complications, they should, when possible, be kept away from children with the flu and additional precautions should be taken for them. They should be immunized each fall, as should others in their household.