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Overview
‘Flu’ is the short term used for ‘influenza’, and is caused by a viral infection of the nose, throat and chest. Cold and flu is more likely to occur in children than adults. A child may develop cold and flu up to eight times a year compared to two or three times for adults.
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Signs and Symptoms
The Common Cold
Onset of symptoms is 1-4 days after infection.
Cold symptoms in children include:
- Fever (37.5 to 39°C).
- Runny nose.
- Cough.
- Headache.
- Sore throat.
- Stomach upset.
- Convulsions, attributed to fever.
Flu
Symptoms similar to the common cold (see above) but usually more severe. These are also accompanied by:
- General aches and pains.
- Chills.
- Pain or burning sensation in eyes.
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Treatment
No cure. Treatment is usually to ameliorate the symptoms thus enabling the immune system to deal with the infection.
Medicines that may help relieve your child’s symptoms
include:
- Decongestants (e.g. oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine) – reduce runny or blocked nose, thus easing breathing. This may also relieve headache.
- Antihistamines (e.g cetirizine, loratadine) – reduce mucus secretion and relieve watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.
- Expectorants – loosen mucus in the airways.
- Cough Suppressants – act on the cough center in the brain to reduce frequency of dry cough.
- Pain killers – (e.g paracetamol for children > 1 month old; ibuprofen for children > 6 months old) relieve aches and headaches. Aspirin is not suitable for children and adolescents under 16 years old.
- Antipyretics (eg Panadol)- relieve fever.
Prior on purchasing the medication, you should get proper consultation from your medical practitioner or pharmacist.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10vh”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Self-care
- Keep your child warm in bed and maintain a normal temperature for 48 hours- this will aid the body’s defense against virus.
- Make sure your child drinks plenty of water.
- Make sure your child blows his/her nose gently one nostril at a time – this is important to prevent nasal secretions from entering and infecting the sinus/middle ear.
- To prevent spread of the infection, quarantine your child where possible.
- Good hygiene (proper disposal of used tissues and frequent hand washing) is important.
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Supplements
- Vitamin C – for prevention and treatment of cold and flu.
- Cod Liver Oil – increases immune system.
- Multivitamin and Minerals – for prevention of cold and flu.
- Vitamin E- Antioxidants and Immunity Booster – for prevention of cold.
*Consult a pharmacist at Lovy Pharmacy when choosing a supplement for your condition.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10vh”][/vc_column][/vc_row]