- Knowledgebase: Information on Specific Illnesses
- Here you will find discussions of specific illnesses and their management.
- 37. What is the "flu" (influenza)? - Top
- The Flu season in really here. We do have the real influenza in the area. Children of all ages and adults have had it. The onset is generally sudden with a high fever, headache, and muscle aches. The second day brings a sore throat, congestion, cough and stomach upset. Headache, fever, dizziness and muscle aches continue. Some cases have had associated vomiting and/or diarrhea. In young infants the course lasts for 3 days on average and can be difficult to diagnose because the infants can not express their symptoms (headache, muscle aches, dizziness). The course for elementary age school children has been 3 to 5 days. Older children and teenagers have had a course lasting 5 to 7 days with many having significant fever (102 to 105 ) for this entire period. Because of the length of its course and the energy required to heal, significant fatigue may follow with the recovery phase. The exact symptoms and the course will vary from patient to patient.
There is no treatment for influenza for healthy people. It is due to a virus and generally only time and the body's defense mechanism will work against it. There are a couple drugs (Symmetrel, Relenza, Tamiflu ) which is thought to be effective in prevention or very early in the course of influenza. Antibiotics are not effective against influenza but may be helpful with possible bacterial complications (bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections). Strep throat may have similar symptoms and when significant sore throat exists, strep should be ruled out or in. In general, influenza is treated with symptomatic treatment for fever, aches, congestion and cough. Fluid intake should be maintained at a good level and rest to conserve energy to fight the virus. Attempts should be made to keep up nutrition as much as possible once again to maintain energy to heal yourself.
Influenza is very contagious starting with the onset of fever until fever has been gone for approximately 12 hours. It is spread by air particles t coughing and sneezing) and hand contact. So avoiding close contact around the face, not sharing things mouth to mouth and good hand washing are important ways to avoid contracting influenza. School children should stay home from school until they have one evening of no temperature above 100 . As noted earlier, this may be a week for some older children or teenagers. Our schools have had numerous children out and also some teachers so it is important to try to keep the spread of influenza to a minimum. Also, trying to go back too soon may lead to lengthening the course of the illness or lead to complications. Stay home until things are better.
host people will get through the influenza without complications. However, small infants, children with chronic diseases and elderly people may have more problems and complications that require monitoring and further treatment. I you have questions about whether your child has the influenza or if having complications, please contact your child's physician. - Updated: March 22, 2001
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