Treatments for flu and when to see a health provider
Doctors and nurses at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia are seeing more young kids, including infants and toddlers, come into their emergency room and clinics with fever, breathing issues and dehydration.
That includes children who already struggle with asthma and are experiencing complications due to respiratory infections, said pediatrician Dr. Rita Guevara, who sees patients in outpatient clinics.
“We have been seeing younger children with breathing issues to the point where they need to escalate care to the ER,” she said.
Families can often manage flu infections at home with over-the-counter fever reducers, rest and plenty of hydration, including both water and other liquids like electrolyte sports drinks.
“It’s okay if kids don’t want to eat when they’re sick, but they absolutely have to keep up on their fluid intake,” Guevara said.
Children should be drinking enough to still need regular bathroom breaks and infants and toddlers should still make about two to three wet diapers within a 24-hour window, she said.
When flu is the suspected culprit, as opposed to another virus or bacteria, Guevara said antiviral medications can be very effective in reducing the severity and longevity of illness when given within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Health experts recommend that parents and children seek professional help if symptoms become severe, including high fevers and signs of dehydration. Kids who appear to get better, but then suddenly get worse again, may be experiencing complications, Guevara said.
“You can start with the flu virus and that can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting a bacterial infection on top,” she said. “We do see some children that end up needing antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections when everything started with the flu.”
Concerning changes in breathing is also another red flag and cause for more care, Guevara said.
“They’re allowed to cough. We love coughing, because it brings up mucus and it helps clear the passages. You’re not allowed to be struggling to breathe,” she said. “If a child is working hard to breathe, they’re belly breathing, the flaring of their nostrils, they’re sucking in in their neck and between the ribs, that child needs to be seen.”
Kids may also show other signs of a worsening illness, including excessive fatigue and painful body aches that go beyond the level typically seen. Guevara encourages parents to act on their “Spidey senses” when caring for their sick children.
“We don’t know your child as well as you do, so we are partnering with you to tell us, ‘This is not my child, they are not okay,’” she said.
Health experts also recommend preventative measures like frequent hand washing, masking and cleaning of commonly used surfaces, as well as staying home from work, school, day care and other social settings when feeling sick.