Temperature in a child with the flu

Posted on by admin

Temperature with flu in a child

With the onset of cold weather, the time for viral diseases begins. One of the main viral diseases is influenza, which affects not only children, but also adults.

Table of contents:

It is very easy to catch the flu virus, as it is enough to travel on public transport, visit a kindergarten or school, or simply communicate with a sick person.

With the flu, the temperature rises to several degrees, which is especially pronounced in many children. A child's fragile body is exposed to viruses, which causes the temperature to rise. At the first signs of viral infection, the child changes very much: he becomes lethargic, is constantly capricious, and refuses food. The first thing you should pay attention to is the readings of the thermometer. If the value persists and does not subside for a long time, then you should resort to the use of antipyretic drugs.

Why does body temperature rise

An increase in temperature is a kind of protective function of the body in response to the influence of pathogenic factors. How many days does a child have a fever with the flu? This is a question that every modern mother wants an answer to. The duration of maintaining high thermometer readings is influenced by various factors, in particular:

As soon as a virus that has entered the body begins its active pathogenic effect, the human immune system turns on its protective function. The body produces white blood cells and macrophages, which help protect the body from negative factors. With the flu, the child will always have a fever as long as leukocytes and macrophages are produced.

If a child’s temperature with the flu does not exceed 38 degrees, then measures to reduce it should not be taken. But in this case, it is imperative to monitor the thermometer readings every 30 minutes. If the thermometer readings exceed degrees, then it is necessary to immediately take measures to reduce the temperature with the help of antipyretic drugs, as well as by calling an ambulance. Thermometer readings above 39 degrees are very dangerous, as this can lead to the development of seizures, delirium and hallucinations in the child. With such factors, death may occur or the patient may experience serious pathologies.

How long does the temperature last?

It is only possible to give an approximate answer as to how long the temperature lasts during the flu in a child. In the absence of complications during the flu, intoxication of the body will continue for several days. The period of fever will not exceed 5-6 days. If an infection is added to a febrile state, the patient will have a high temperature for 7 days or more.

The question of how many days the fever lasts for the flu in children is not entirely appropriate, since the duration is influenced by factors such as:

  • the age of the patient, because the smaller the child, the longer the time the temperature is maintained;
  • strengthening the protective function, because in most cases, if the child has a strong immune system, the temperature will stabilize to normal on the sixth day;
  • form of the disease, since the more severe the type of illness, the longer will be the maintenance of high thermometer readings, which must be constantly reduced.

An important factor that influences how many days a child will have a fever is the method of treatment. Lack of treatment only aggravates the disease, and taking the right measures contributes to a speedy recovery. When the temperature is high, the first thing parents need to do is try to reduce it to a degree.

What to do with a fever with the flu?

The ideal human body temperature is 36.6 degrees Celsius. This indicator is influenced not only by various diseases, but also by factors such as the child’s mood, eating, bathing, as well as games and other types of emotional experiences. According to generally accepted standards, body temperature up to 38 degrees is elevated, which does not require taking antipyretic drugs. Temperatures above 38 degrees are high and require appropriate measures to be taken to reduce them. To do this, resort to the use of antipyretic drugs or call an ambulance.

If a child's temperature rises with the flu, this indicates normal functioning of the immune system. When the temperature rises even by a few degrees, not only a child, but also an adult feels unwell, his activity decreases, and a feeling of fatigue appears.

Fever for more than 5 days: why?

If a child has a high fever for more than 5 days, this indicates improper treatment. If you have the flu, your child should be given bed rest to help him recover faster. If bed rest is not observed, then even therapy is not always able to get the child back on his feet in such a short time. Every person remembers from his childhood that the duration of the flu is no more than a week.

To speed up the healing process, you need to drink as much fluid as possible. Moreover, this can be either simple boiled water or juices, fruit drinks, compotes and tea without sugar. If you ignore these recommendations, the temperature may persist for more than 5 days. The liquid helps remove toxins and breakdown products from the body, thereby renewing and improving well-being.

If the value of up to 38 degrees lasts more than 5 days, then you should inform your doctor about this. This temperature is considered low-grade, which indicates the development of more serious complications.

Possible complications

Flu is a serious disease that is viral in nature. Often, especially in the absence of timely treatment, a bacterial infection may be added to a viral infection in a child. In this situation, the duration of treatment for influenza is delayed by 5-6 days.

If a child’s temperature during influenza rises to 39 degrees and lasts no more than 5 days with proper therapy, this indicates a high degree of immunity. In this case, the baby’s parents only need to monitor the thermometer readings and take timely measures. If a child has a fever for several days, he should visit the hospital for a full examination. Typically, a high thermometer reading with the flu is one of the main symptoms. In addition to fever, the child experiences the following symptoms:

  • appearance of cough;
  • headache;
  • a sore throat;
  • disturbance of consciousness;
  • deterioration in general health.

If the flu is accompanied by such symptoms, then the development of the following complications cannot be ruled out: bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis or meningitis. If parents have diagnosed that their baby has a high fever for more than 5 days, they should immediately go to the hospital. In practice, in children at any age, the temperature subsides 3-4 days after the use of antipyretic drugs.

It is important to know! If, after using an antipyretic drug, your child’s temperature continues to rise, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Disease Prevention

No matter how strong a child’s immune system is, the body will still sooner or later be exposed to a viral infection. And this is considered normal, since after the disease the body becomes even stronger. Only in this case it is important that the disease is mild and does not cause complications.

It is impossible to protect a child from all negative factors, so even after visiting kindergartens, children often get sick. This is also a normal phenomenon, and parents need to take measures to cure the child as quickly as possible. In order to reduce the likelihood of getting the flu, a child must be hardened from childhood, accustomed to sports, proper nutrition, walks in the fresh air, swimming, etc. It is necessary to get vaccinations, which increase the resistance of immunity to certain forms of diseases tenfold.

If parents discover that a child is prone to frequent viral illnesses, then this only indicates a weakened immune system. Parents believe that visiting a kindergarten means that the child is 100% infected. In reality, it is mainly those children who have weak immunity who get sick.

In conclusion, it should be noted that proper flu prevention does not mean refusing to attend kindergarten or school, but strengthening the immune system. To strengthen the immune system, it is not necessary to stuff your baby with vitamins alone. To strengthen the immune system, an integrated approach is gentle, since it is the right one.

Source: http://temperatura03.ru/detskie-bolezni/skolko-dnej-derzhitsya-temperatura-pri-grippe-u-detej.html

How long does the fever last for the flu in children?

With the onset of autumn cold, all kinds of viruses that cause influenza become active. You can catch it anywhere - in transport, at school, kindergarten, and even in an elevator, next to a sick person. Therefore, it is very important during the epidemic to have as little contact as possible with a large mass of people, walk in parks, squares, and temporarily cancel entertainment events.

Perhaps the most severe part of the flu in children is the high temperature, which literally exhausts the body. It’s painful to look at a child - just yesterday he was laughing and frolicking, but today he lies lethargic, refuses food and drink, and is capricious. But the temperature stubbornly refuses to subside, and if it drops by a few tenths of a degree, it’s literally for an hour, and then it rises again.

What is the temperature during flu in children?

The strain of influenza that the child catches, as well as the child’s body’s ability to resist infection, affect the temperature during the illness. Usually, it is very high - 39-40°C, and sometimes even exceeds the critical level.

If the mother cannot cope with such large numbers, the temperature does not subside, and the child refuses to drink, then treatment at home is extremely undesirable. It is better if the baby is under the supervision of doctors who will prevent a critical situation.

In some cases, the temperature does not rise too much and is at 38-39°C. Even if the baby gets sick in the midst of an epidemic, it is not necessarily the flu. The diagnosis can only be made by a doctor, and even then not in absentia, but on the basis of tests.

Duration of the acute phase of the disease

Most of all, concerned parents are concerned about how many days the temperature lasts with the flu in children. This question cannot be answered unambiguously, since the duration of the disease in the acute phase depends on many components.

This includes the general condition of the sick person’s body, its ability to fight a viral infection, the presence or absence of bed rest (relevant for teenagers), the type of influenza virus (strain), adequate or inappropriate treatment, and caring for the child during illness.

In addition, the duration of the period with elevated temperature also depends on the presence of complications in the form of pneumonia, otitis media and other disorders. That is, in total, with severe influenza with complications, the time when the child’s high fever does not subside can stretch even for two weeks.

On average, the duration of the disease is 5-7 days. That is, a high fever with the flu in children lasts as long as the body needs to overcome the virus. It decreases by the fifth to seventh day, but only with proper treatment and compliance with the doctor’s instructions.

When parents know how many days a child’s fever lasts for the flu, and this limit has already been exceeded, that is, the disease is not going to go away, most likely a secondary infection caused by bacteria has been added to the main viral disease.

A complication of influenza can be suspected based on the course of the child’s illness. If the temperature began to gradually decrease after the acute stage of the disease, and then rose again to a critical level, then you urgently need to consult a doctor - most likely pneumonia has begun, which happens most often, or another complication.

In addition to the high temperature, the mother should be alerted to increased coughing, wheezing when breathing, and complaints of pain in the back and chest. The sooner treatment for complications after influenza is started, the better the prognosis for recovery. And if an influenza viral infection is not treated with antibiotics, then a bacterial infection will require them.

Copying information is permitted only with a direct and indexed link to the source

Source: http://womanadvice.ru/skolko-derzhitsya-temperatura-pri-grippe-u-detey

How long does a fever last for the flu?

One of the symptoms of influenza infection is an increase in body temperature. Thus, the body tries to fight the disease on its own. But sometimes the fever “goes through the roof”, rises above subfebrile levels and no longer just brings discomfort to the patient, but threatens his life. In such cases, the symptom should be eliminated.

Another important question that interests most people: how long does the fever last for the flu? The answer is 7 days. This is the average time for a typical flu. ARVI is somewhat less so, since it is just a cold, and the flu is an infection.

And also - how long can you endure a fever with everything that accompanies it - headaches, malaise, and so on? And with the help of what medications or other means can you fight it?

Main symptom of influenza

Influenza is a fairly severe viral disease, one of the main symptoms of which is high fever.

In mild and moderate forms of this disease, you have to suffer from all its symptoms for about a week. The fever rises quickly, but around the third (maximum fifth) day it begins to subside.

But if you do not treat the disease or start the therapeutic course too late, you can face serious complications and prolong the flu. Severe form requires urgent measures.

Based on the general symptoms, it is quite possible to confuse an influenza infection with any other acute respiratory viral infection or simply with a cold. But in the case of influenza, intoxication turns out to be more pronounced. Fever, by the way, is one of the immediate consequences of intoxication poisoning of the body with viral waste products. Other consequences include:

  • pain in the head and muscles;
  • state of chills;
  • general malaise;
  • runny nose;
  • poor appetite;
  • active sweating;
  • dry cough;
  • sore throat.

How long does a fever last for the flu? This is determined by the current degree of intoxication. Even when the infection clears up and the person recovers, he or she may feel very weak for several weeks. The immune system has not yet been strengthened and, therefore, there is a possibility of secondary infection, that is, relapse of the disease.

In cases where the patient is already suffering from some chronic ailments, the flu can provoke their exacerbation.

That is why it is so important to promptly contact a qualified medical specialist who will carefully examine the patient and possibly refer him for additional examinations and tests.

Why is fever necessary?

How many days does a fever last for the flu? Usually no longer than 3, 5 or 6 days, but in the case of a severe infection, of course, this period can be longer (for example, a couple of weeks when the cause of the disease is atypical pathogens).

Sometimes it stays at a subfebrile level, and at times it exceeds 38 degrees. A fever that lasts too long, which also exceeds 38.5 degrees and does not subside, despite the effect of antipyretics, requires visiting a doctor (in the best case, of course, calling the doctor home).

Everything indicates that the body is no longer able to cope with the disease on its own. He needs outside qualified help.

Initially, the body uses fever as a protective reaction against the effects of infectious agents - both viral and bacterial. Once they are in the human body, protective cells begin to be produced in the blood, thanks to which the blood is enriched with endogenous pyrogens. They stimulate the body to antiviral activity.

By raising the temperature, the immune system tries to achieve the following functions:

  • suppress viral reproduction;
  • remove decomposition products;
  • enhance the antitoxic functionality of the liver;
  • synthesize antibodies;
  • increase the activity of various enzymes;
  • improve the bactericidal properties of blood serum.

People are interested in how long high body temperatures with the flu last. But it is also important to understand when to reduce them in order to prevent complications (if the readings exceed 39 degrees, irreversible changes may begin in the body, convulsions and even hallucinations are quite possible, breathing and blood circulation will be impaired). This applies to both adults and (even more so!) children.

Despite the fact that fever can be considered as a normal reaction of the human body to the fact that it contains a foreign element, it must be constantly monitored. But in no case should you reduce it ahead of time - you should allow the immune system to overcome the disease on its own. By getting rid of a fever, you will not yet recover, but only remove the main symptom.

Often people take antipyretics even with low-grade fever and then believe that they have been able to get rid of the disease: they no longer adhere to bed rest, begin to actively contact other people, and go to school or work. And the virus at this time continues to actively multiply and spread, infecting other people and threatening to result in some serious complication.

Managing symptoms

Sometimes the temperature is gone, but the symptoms continue. Moreover, this continues for a long time.

Doctors recommend drinking as much fluid as possible. This will help the body quickly get rid of accumulated toxins (although sweating will increase).

The best way to combat intoxication is with herbal tinctures, teas, and compotes. And, of course, clean water. Drinking plenty of fluids also helps reduce fever.

Do not forget about the importance of constantly ventilating the room - this helps to avoid self-infection. If the air is too dry, use a humidifier or simply hang wet towels. The optimal temperature should not exceed 20 degrees. Wet cleaning should be carried out daily - the cleaner the air in the room, the more difficult it is for the virus to “get along” and multiply in it.

Walking in fresh air is also beneficial. But, of course, you need to dress warmly, especially if the season is cold.

To avoid maximum fever during influenza, along with antipyretics, the doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs that are aimed at directly combating the infection. But before taking any of them, you must carefully read the instructions, become familiar with the indications and contraindications, and, of course, consult a medical specialist.

It should be taken into account that the temperature dynamics in case of infection with ARVI may change regularly. She rises and falls. Moreover, during the day the indicators can be normal, but in the evening they rise again. Why is this happening? Why does the temperature sometimes rise and then not subside for a long time?

These are the characteristics of influenza infection. Therefore, it is necessary to tirelessly ensure that the fever does not exceed acceptable limits, otherwise serious complications may arise due to this.

The duration of fever may also depend on the type of acute respiratory viral infection. For example, with the Hong Kong flu, it can last for 14 days or more. If we are talking about standard flu, and the readings do not drop below 38 degrees for 5 days, you should definitely notify your doctor about this.

Most often this happens because the patient:

  • started the treatment course untimely;
  • did not comply with the treatment regimen;
  • overloaded the body with various physical loads;
  • did not strengthen the immune system (for which there are not only medicines, but also folk methods).

This is why you should not treat ARVI treatment superficially, unless, of course, you want to encounter complications.

Fever in children

Another important question that interests many parents: how many days should the temperature last for the flu in children and what indicators can be considered acceptable?

Fever can exhaust a child’s body that has not yet strengthened. Often, even antipyretics do not help: if you manage to bring down high levels, it is only for a short time. An hour later, the semi-fainting state returns again.

Much depends on what strain of influenza the child is diagnosed with. For example, with influenza A, temperatures may well exceed critical levels. In such cases, the patient requires constant monitoring by a doctor - therefore children are often treated in an inpatient setting.

But even if treatment takes place at home, parents still cannot make diagnoses and prescribe medications on their own.

On what day does a child's fever drop when they have the flu? The duration of the acute period of the disease may vary. It depends on the:

  • type of viral infection;
  • whether bed rest was observed or not;
  • adequacy of treatment;
  • proper patient care.

Among other things, possible complications should be taken into account - such as pneumonia, otitis media, and so on. In the worst cases, the temperature lasts two weeks, and in a standard situation - 3, 4 days it can reach 39 degrees, and begins to drop to 38 and below on about the 6th day.

With a long course of the disease, a bacterial complication can be suspected. Although it will be possible to verify this only by undergoing the necessary examinations and being examined by a doctor.

Sometimes a rise in temperature is an indicator of pneumonia. Especially if the active fever subsides at first, and then starts again after some time.

Along with fever, parents should be alert to the following signs:

  • increased cough;
  • wheezing breathing;
  • pain in the chest and back.

If you bring down a fever, you should not try to bring it to the levels characteristic of a healthy person. It is quite enough if these are low-grade numbers.

When a doctor prescribes antibiotics, antipyretics are usually not taken at the same time.

Like adults, you need to drink more liquid: raspberry tea, herbal infusions, and mineral water that does not contain gas are especially useful. Protein and fatty foods should be excluded. Moreover, when the baby has no appetite, you should not force him to eat. It is advisable to eat vegetables and fruits. Porridges made with water are effective in nutrition.

It is necessary that the child’s body spends energy not on digesting food, but on fighting infection. If you help him in every possible way, the fever should not last long.

High temperatures can also be brought down by rubbing (the water temperature should be about 35 degrees) and warm compresses.

What does Komarovsky advise?

The famous doctor Komarovsky gives some advice on what parents should do when a child develops a fever and lasts too long.

As for medications, he recommends the drug Regidron, which can be used according to the instructions.

But you should not give Aspirin to your baby.

Temperature readings only go astray when they exceed 38.5 degrees. Moreover, to normalize them it is better to use Ibuprofen or Paracetamol.

It is advisable to dress the child warmly, and regularly ventilate the room in which he is located and ensure that the air in it is not dry. It is better to avoid drugs containing artificial interferon - their effectiveness has not been proven by doctors, but there may well be side effects.

As for how long the temperature usually lasts for the flu, Dr. Komarovsky answers that it depends on the current strain and the characteristics of the child’s body. In any case, you should not rely on the ability to independently diagnose and cure the disease - be sure to contact a qualified medical specialist as soon as you first suspect an infection.

Source: http://gripptips.ru/simptomyi/temperatura/skolko-derzhitsya-temperatura-pri-grippe.html

Symptoms and treatment of influenza in children

All mothers and fathers know that the flu is very dangerous for the life and health of a child. However, not everyone knows how to distinguish the flu from the mass of similar viral diseases and, out of habit, the flu is often called any seasonal infectious disease associated with fever, cough and runny nose. In this material we will look at what the flu is, how to recognize it in a child and how to treat it.

What it is?

The disease received a beautiful French name - “Grippe”. At its core, influenza is an acute infectious disease, and it is caused by a very specific virus - one of the representatives of a large group of influenza viruses. The flu can be caused by one of the 2,000 viruses that are currently known to science.

Every year, up to half a million people in the world die from various variants of influenza viruses, most of them are children and the elderly, because their immunity is much weaker than that of a young or middle-aged adult.

You can often find a second name for the disease – “influenza”. It comes from the Italian word meaning “impact.” This name stuck due to its extreme contagiousness. Very quickly, individual outbreaks of viral infection turn into an epidemic covering large areas, and then into a pandemic, which involves entire countries and continents.

The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, and medicine cannot keep up with its mutations. Every year, new strains appear that are resistant to certain drugs and have different symptoms. The flu is dangerous not so much in itself as because of its complications. Often, after suffering from the flu, pneumonia begins, loss of hearing and vision occurs, and the heart muscle is affected.

Doctors paid attention to the strange disease back in the 16th century, but the influenza virus was first discovered, isolated and studied in 1930, and research work has not stopped since then. Several types, subspecies, types and subtypes of influenza have been identified, many of them are dangerous to humans.

How to distinguish from ARVI?

Influenza is part of the group of acute respiratory diseases (ARVI), but is only one of its representatives. This group includes about 200 types of respiratory diseases that are caused by adenoviruses, rhinoviruses and other viruses. They provoke diseases that are considered to be influenza-like, that is, similar to the flu. But in essence they are completely different ailments.

It is a mistake to call any viral infection the flu, but the flu can be considered an acute respiratory viral infection, although rather conditionally. Due to the large group, specific details are required.

Let's say right away that at home it is almost impossible to distinguish influenza from ARVI. This can only be done using laboratory research. A blood test will help determine whether it is ARVI or influenza with high accuracy, and a laboratory analysis will also show which strain of influenza has affected the patient.

The external differences between influenza and other viral acute respiratory illnesses are somewhat blurred and unclear. Thus, with ARVI, the temperature is slightly lower than with the flu, and muscle pain and severe headaches most often occur with the flu.

Doctors often do not even bother themselves with the question of differences. If a child gets sick and the mother calls a doctor at home, with a 99.9% probability the doctor will diagnose ARVI. Formally, he will be right, because influenza, as we now know, is a full member of the large group of acute respiratory viral infections. Why shouldn't the pediatrician get to the bottom of the truth? The answer is quite simple - the regional Ministry of Health will not praise a zealous specialist who “spoils” the epidemiological picture for a region or region, who creates unnecessary work for laboratories, and also “dramatizes” from scratch.

That is why the entry “ARVI” appears in the child’s card, and the appointment is distinguished by a banal and standard approach. The child's blood will be taken for analysis only if he is admitted to the hospital. There it will be important to establish the exact strain and type of virus, at least in order to avoid an epidemic. Unfortunately, parents often learn about the exact diagnosis after the deceased child undergoes a post-mortem examination.

If the mother has doubts about the diagnosis of ARVI, if the child feels very bad, his condition is serious, there is no need to be shy. Parents have the right to insist on a full and exhaustive examination and to demand a laboratory blood test for influenza virus secretions. This will help save the child's life.

Types of influenza

Three types of influenza virus pose a danger to humans: A, B, C.

The safest of them is type C: diseases caused by viruses of this type do not cause epidemics and pandemics, everything is limited to just isolated outbreaks of the disease, which, in turn, proceeds quite easily - without a cough, but with a runny nose, without fever. Type C virus does not cause serious complications.

The most common is influenza caused by viruses of type A. It includes the well-known strains H1N1, H1N2, H3N2. These are the most insidious viruses that change faster than scientists can describe and study new forms. It is influenza A that causes the largest and most severe epidemics. The likelihood of severe complications from such a viral disease is highest.

Influenza caused by type B viruses is less common. These viruses do not have strains, are not divided into subtypes, mutate less frequently, and almost never cause epidemics. However, every case of B virus infection is not easy. The good news is that the likelihood of complications after it is low.

The history of epidemics clearly shows that influenza A is the most dangerous. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Spanish flu (H1N1) claimed millions of lives. At the end of the 50s of the last century, humanity was faced with a severe pandemic of Asian influenza (H2N2). In the late 1960s, many people died from the Hong Kong flu (H3N2). At the beginning of the new millennium, people became acquainted with bird flu (H5N1), and more recently swine flu (A-H1N1) was isolated.

Types of flu in 2018

Every year, WHO scientists monitor the incidence and closely monitor the structure of influenza viruses. This allows them to predict disease incidence a year in advance and create new vaccines. A new strain of influenza is predicted for 2018. Virologists claim that it will take all the “best” from three strains - Brisbane, Michigan and Hong Kong.

The epidemic, according to WHO representatives, most likely cannot be avoided. Spring 2018 is just the beginning; the bulk of diseases are predicted in the fall. Each of the components of the new strain has mutated, so doctors still have nothing to adequately combat the new disease, but work in this direction is carried out every day.

In addition, this year doctors plan to “meet” the already familiar bird and swine flu, as well as other varieties of type A.

Why get vaccinated?

It is the ability of the virus to mutate at an unprecedented rate that necessitates annual vaccination. The strain that was “walking” last year will most likely change by next year, so a completely different vaccine composition and, possibly, a different treatment regimen will be required.

Previously, the vaccine protected a person from two type A viruses and B viruses, now the composition of the vaccine has been expanded to 4 strains and this is not the limit: scientists annually evaluate mutations and make adjustments to the “recipe” of the next flu vaccine.

It is recommended for all children over 6 months to be vaccinated. After vaccination, immunity does not begin to work immediately, but approximately 2 weeks after the administration of the vaccine components. That is why it is important to ensure that the child is vaccinated in advance. If the epidemic has already covered a good half of the city, it is too late and pointless to get vaccinated.

How does infection occur?

Anyone can get the flu, regardless of age, gender, or health status. Everyone is susceptible to the virus. But the likelihood of severe complications is higher in those who have weaker immune defenses. Pregnant women and children, as well as pensioners, are a special risk group.

The source of infection is humans. The sick person may have pronounced or hidden symptoms, but in both cases he is equally dangerous to others from the moment of infection until complete recovery.

On average, the flu lasts 7-10 days. Throughout this time, the virus will spread through the air, with particles of saliva and nasal mucus when sneezing and coughing.

Spring flu, according to experts, is less dangerous in terms of the development of severe forms and epidemics. But in the autumn-winter period, viral illness poses a real threat to children's health. Scientists have found that the influenza virus spreads fastest in the environment at temperatures from +5 degrees to -5 degrees Celsius, with low air humidity. The drier the air, the faster and more aggressively the influenza virus will act, collecting more and more victims.

At the time of infection, the virus enters the child’s body through the nose, and less often through the eyes. The cells of the ciliated epithelium of the upper respiratory tract are the first to be affected. The virus invades them, begins to multiply, and rearranges the structure of the cells of the nasopharynx, trachea, and bronchi. The cells cannot resist the brutal invasion for long and die, then the virus infects the cells adjacent to them, and so on, until the ciliated epithelium is partially exfoliated.

When the ciliated epithelium is almost destroyed, the influenza virus enters the blood. Together with it, it spreads throughout the body, causing intoxication, muscle pain and headaches, spasms, chills, and aches. Blood vessels are also affected by the foreign invader and become more permeable, which often leads to hemorrhage and stasis.

Patients with influenza often exhibit signs of severe exudative damage to the alveoli and other structural units of the respiratory system. Simultaneously with the attack on all fronts, the influenza virus has a suppressive effect on the immune system - the only system of the human body capable of giving it an adequate response to aggression. If the immune system is already weak, the protection is significantly reduced, and secondary infections - bacterial, fungal, viral - appear. Complications begin to develop.

From the moment of infection until the first signs of the disease appear, several hours, or maybe several days, may pass. Most often in children, due to age-related weakened immunity, the incubation period lasts 1-2 days.

The younger the child, the weaker his natural immune defense, the shorter the incubation period. Thus, in a teenager, the flu can appear only on the third day after infection, while in a child aged 1-2 years, the disease develops faster, is more severe and more often ends in complications.

The flu is most severe in children with chronic respiratory diseases, as well as in children from six months to 3 years. Newborns, by the way, rarely get the flu. Doctors tend to see this as a positive protective effect of the mother’s innate immunity on the baby’s body, because some antibodies are passed on to the baby by the mother’s immunity during the period of intrauterine development, and most of the antibodies to common infections are obtained by the baby through the mother’s breast milk.

Symptoms and signs

Flu is an insidious disease; it has no specific symptoms. Recognizing this disease among other viral diseases is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Only laboratory diagnostics can reliably determine the flu.

The virus can be isolated from swabs from the throat of a sick child, from the nasopharynx, as well as from the results of a serological test that allows you to determine the presence of anti-influenza antibodies in the blood.

A diagnosis of “influenza” can only be made based on the results of a comprehensive laboratory test. Serological indicators, ESR during a complete blood count (CBC), the number of leukocytes - all this matters, but the assessment “by eye” does not.

However, parents should know how the disease manifests itself. Symptoms may be more severe and less noticeable. The form of the disease can range from mild to hypertoxic.

The classic picture of the flu looks like this: first the body temperature rises. This rise is sharp, sudden and acute. The temperature does not increase gradually, it immediately “jumps” by several degrees. Symptoms of intoxication appear almost immediately: severe muscle pain, pressing pain in the eyeballs, aching pain in the legs, severe chills, headache.

Intoxication can be manifested by vomiting; vomiting at high temperatures most often occurs in children aged 2-4 years, as well as in children after 5 years.

Liquid running snot, characteristic of most viral respiratory infections, is usually not observed with influenza. On the contrary, the nose most often remains dry. The child experiences fever and dry mouth and nose. The first signs include a dry, frequent cough.

An older child will be able to describe an additional sensation when coughing - pain in the chest area. Due to the fact that the influenza virus disrupts the integrity of blood vessels, children, especially small ones, may experience nosebleeds and a hemorrhagic rash resembling small hemorrhages.

If the flu is mild, then such symptoms persist for 4-5 days, after which they begin to recede; the child continues to feel tired, weak, weak, and fatigued for several days after this.

In severe cases of influenza, the improvement after 3-4 days is insignificant and short-lived in itself. After barely noticeable relief, the child becomes worse and develops secondary complications: pneumonia, vascular collapse, swelling of the brain, hemorrhagic syndrome.

It is quite difficult to answer unequivocally how often complications develop. According to clinical practice, severe complications do not develop so often, but in all cases without exception they pose a serious danger to the health and life of the child. They are usually caused by moderate, severe and toxic forms of influenza. The largest number of deaths was registered among children under 2 years of age.

The most common complications are:

bacterial pneumonia (one of the most severe forms);

respiratory acute distress syndrome;

radiculoneuritis and other neuritis, including neuritis of the auditory nerve;

Whether it is possible to influence the likelihood of complications occurring is the second difficult question. Many doctors are inclined to believe that there is no way to influence this; it is impossible to predict the behavior of the immune system. However, most doctors believe that treatment that begins in a timely manner, without delay, partially reduces the likelihood of developing dangerous and severe complications.

Treatment

Treatment of influenza is a complex of measures, which in fact is always more complex than the manufacturers of dubious “cold and flu” medicines, which are widely advertised on Russian television, newspapers and radio, imagine. 99% of medications that are advertised as effective flu medications have nothing to do with treating influenza and will have no effect.

First of all, when you detect the first signs of an illness that resemble the flu, you should put the child to bed and limit his physical activity. Since low air humidity is very important for the virus to reproduce, the air needs to be actively humidified.

With increased humidity, the pathogen will have less chance of infecting large areas of the ciliated epithelium, the disease will spread more slowly, and the chances of complications will decrease tenfold.

You can humidify the air in a variety of ways. If the house has a humidifier, you need to turn it on and set the desired humidity scale to 50-70%. If there is no such miracle device in the family, you need to hang wet towels on the radiators on a rope stretched across the room for this occasion and carefully ensure that they do not dry completely, wetting them again from time to time.

In a room where it is hot, it is more difficult to raise the humidity. Therefore, it is worth making sure that in the room where the sick child is located, the air temperature does not exceed 21 degrees Celsius. This may seem too harsh to parents, since subjectively, 21 degrees is quite cool. If such a temperature causes inconvenience to household members, let them dress warmly. For the patient, this temperature will be the most optimal, contributing to a speedy recovery.

The second necessary condition for proper treatment is a sufficient amount of fluid. The child should be constantly given warm water, warm tea or homemade fruit drink, but not milk. Drinking plenty of fluids will make it possible to additionally moisturize the mucous membranes, and will also prevent the onset of dehydration, which threatens the child in high heat and a toxic form of influenza that occurs with diarrhea or vomiting.

If a child categorically refuses to drink, you need to be more persistent; if the sick person is a very young child, you can use a disposable syringe without a needle to drip warm liquid into his mouth in small portions.

Instillation of saline solution, saline solution, and special preparations based on sea water will help protect the mucous membranes from drying out and the destructive effects of the influenza virus. You should irrigate the mucous membranes of the nose as often as possible; there will be no harm from this. By and large, this is all that parents can do at the first stage. Of course, after the pediatrician is called to the house.

If you have the flu or are suspected of having it, you do not need to take your child to the clinic to see a doctor. The disease is highly contagious. You should stay at home and wait for the doctor. The medical professional will be able to prescribe medications that he considers the most effective and appropriate in a given situation.

Medicines

In Russia they really like to self-medicate. For some reason, parents think that for the flu they can give their child Kagocel or some kind of antibiotic and calm down. In fact, the use of medications for influenza infections is a rather dubious issue.

Experts tend to believe that mild forms of influenza do not require medication. Why is that? But because mild forms of influenza rarely cause complications. The flu itself, in a mild form, is a kind of training for the child’s immunity. He must cope with the virus himself, without outside support. And a child’s body is capable of this if parents do not interfere with it.

For a mild form of influenza, drinking plenty of warm fluids, humidified air, and irrigating the mucous membranes of the nose and throat is sufficient. Additionally, you can give your child large doses of vitamin C.

There is no need to insist on eating. On an empty stomach it is easier for the body to mobilize its defenses. When there is no need to waste energy on digesting food, recovery is faster. That is why nature arranged it so that a sick child refuses to eat.

It would be useful to remind you that no medications should be given to a child without the doctor’s knowledge, even if mom and dad are sure that “last time it was this syrup that helped.” There is a special group of medications for influenza - anti-influenza drugs. There are few of them, all of them are used exclusively as prescribed by a doctor. Let's look at what means the flu in a child can be cured and what cannot.

Treatment with antibiotics

Antibiotics are effective against germs and bacteria. They are indeed used for influenza, but only if bacterial complications have begun, for example, bacterial pneumonia or rhinitis caused by pathogenic bacteria. If there is no such complication, it is not advisable to use antibiotics. They cannot affect the virus or alleviate the course of influenza infection. However, taking antibiotics for the flu significantly increases the likelihood of complications themselves.

The bacteria adapt to the drug that the patient receives “just in case,” and then it will be very difficult to cure such an infection.

Parents may object, because local pediatricians called to the home often prescribe an antibiotic even before complications develop with the wording “for prevention.” The pediatrician strives to protect himself, because in the event of complications, complaints will arise against him, and if complications arise while taking antibiotics, no one will dare to blame the specialist for not prescribing treatment on time.

Antibiotics are not used to prevent complications; they are created solely to treat bacterial diseases and fight bacteria when they exhibit pathological activity. Therefore, an experienced and thoughtful parent will categorically refuse such a prescription, asking to prescribe the correct treatment, and not therapy “just in case.”

If complications have already begun, then antibiotics are necessary. For children, broad-spectrum drugs are most often used, for example Flemoxin, Amoxiclav or Amoxicillin. They are prescribed as a course, the duration of the course is determined by the doctor, and the course must not be interrupted under any circumstances.

Treatment with antiviral drugs

Unlike other acute respiratory viral infections, the influenza virus is sensitive to antiviral drugs, but only to certain drugs. They are used for both treatment and prevention. An important condition is that influenza should be treated as early as possible. The effectiveness of the drug will be shown only when treatment begins before the onset of clinical symptoms. At later stages, the effectiveness of antiviral treatment is significantly reduced. It is unlikely that any parent would think of treating a child for a disease that has not yet manifested itself. It follows from this that one cannot place much hope in antiviral agents.

Two groups of antiviral agents, neuraminidase inhibitors and adamantane derivatives, show a certain effect against the influenza virus in the laboratory. Drugs that are derivatives of interferon stand apart. They have not only antiviral, but also anti-inflammatory effects.

Neuraminidase inhibitors reduce the activity of the virus by acting on it in a direct manner. Such drugs include Tamiflu. It is very effective against most strains of influenza, including bird flu, but medicine today has indisputable evidence of multiple side effects from taking such drugs.

For example, in Japan, where Tamiflu is the main flu drug for children, suicides among teenagers are very often recorded. Experts tend to believe that mental disorders that lead to suicide and other unpleasant behavioral pathologies are a consequence of exposure to neuraminidase inhibitors.

Side effects of this group of drugs also include diarrhea, intestinal disorders, abdominal pain, vomiting, and cramps. Tamiflu is given to children in a hospital setting according to indications; this drug cannot be purchased in regular pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. “Theraflu” and other “-flu”, which are so often advertised on TV, have nothing to do with anti-influenza drugs, despite the fact that manufacturers claim the opposite. They only partially relieve the symptoms of the disease, but in no case affect the virus itself.

M2 inhibitors (adamant derivatives) - Amantadine and Rimantadine. These drugs prevent the virus from entering cells. They have fewer side effects, but the main effect is not too pronounced. In addition, doctors are increasingly talking about the emergence of influenza strains that are resistant to these drugs.

Among interferons against influenza, drugs that are donor serum and anti-influenza gamma globulin are quite effective. These drugs are administered intramuscularly, for severe toxic forms of the disease, 0.15-0.2 ml per kilogram of the baby’s weight.

Experts warn that large doses of interferon can have a detrimental effect on the child’s health. Children are often prescribed Interferon to be instilled into their nose. The dosages of interferon in this drug are small, they will not cause harm, but experts also question the effectiveness of such treatment and prevention.

Thus, if the doctor sees the advisability of using antiviral drugs, he must prescribe treatment, which will take place in a hospital setting under the supervision of doctors.

Independently choosing a remedy whose name contains the word “antiviral” does not make sense and, at best, simply will not harm, but will not have any effect on the course of the disease.

Treatment with homeopathic remedies

Many parents choose medications to treat their children that have nothing to do with medications; they are homeopathic. Moreover, no one warns parents about this. Most widely advertised flu and cold medications are homeopathic, meaning that the doses of the active ingredient in them are so small that they are measured in molecules rather than milligrams. The child essentially does not receive a flu pill, but sugar, starch and water.

Homeopathic medicines include the well-known “Anaferon” and “Anaferon for children”, “Ocillococcinum”, “Ergoferon”, “Viferon”. These drugs are the favorite and most prescribed in modern pediatrics. Doctors know for sure that this is homeopathy, but they tactfully keep silent about it. This is because the flu will go away on its own in 3-5 days. However, parents will be calmer if a doctor with an authoritative air prescribes at least something for them.

Homeopathic remedies cannot harm the baby, doctors are well aware of this. But the benefits of them have not yet been experimentally proven.

Whether to spend the family budget on such drugs is up to moms and dads to decide. The truth is that such “medicines” are very useful for those who produce them, bringing multi-billion dollar profits to their creators every cold season.

Vitamins

Vitamins for a child with the flu are useful and necessary. They have a general strengthening effect, but in no way cure the flu itself. Therefore, there is no point in forcing an unfortunate child to choke on sour lemon if he has all the signs of the flu. Doctors have been arguing for a long time about how vitamin C affects viral diseases. However, scientists put an end to this dispute, who were able to prove that no doses of ascorbic acid can cure a person from the flu, but this substance can somewhat alleviate the course of the disease.

Therefore, there is nothing wrong with a mother making blackcurrant juice for her sick baby, giving her tea with lemon if he is not allergic to citrus fruits, or buying tasty and pleasant “ascorbic acid” vitamins at the pharmacy. This, of course, will not affect the likelihood of complications, but it certainly will not harm.

How to treat?

The correct treatment for influenza is symptomatic treatment, which does not imply the unnecessary use of antibiotics or antiviral drugs. Systemic drugs, as can be understood from all of the above, are relevant only for severe and toxic forms of the disease. In all other cases, parents should follow general recommendations - humidify the air, rinse the nose, monitor bed rest and generously water their child.

Symptomatic treatment includes medications that will help the child survive several days of influenza infection with minimal losses. If a baby develops a runny nose, it is allowed to instill vasoconstrictor drops into him, for example, “Nazivin” or “Nazol” in its children’s forms.

It should be remembered that such drugs should not be used for more than 5 days, as persistent drug addiction develops to them.

Antipyretics based on paracetamol will help reduce fever. If they turn out to be ineffective and the temperature does not drop, you can give the child the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen or other drugs based on it; ibuprofen also perfectly relieves high fever.

It should be remembered that high fever during influenza is a protective mechanism of children's immunity. It is during fever that the body stimulates the production of natural interferons, which enter into a merciless war with the invading virus. This is the best medicine for flu. Therefore, it is recommended to approach fever reduction selectively. Antipyretics should be given only when really necessary. If the child's age allows you to tolerate the temperature a little, it is better to do so.

In case of a severe dry cough, you can give the child mucolytic agents that facilitate the process of formation and expectoration of sputum; in case of vomiting or diarrhea, sorbents should be used and a drinking regime should be observed to prevent dehydration.

You can protect your child from complications by maintaining peace, reducing the load on all organs and systems of his body.

Immunomodulators, which are often recommended by manufacturers as a remedy for the flu, should not be given if the child does not have immune system diseases. Isoprinosine and other drugs should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor, and not on the advice of a pharmacist from a nearby pharmacy.

A normal, somatically healthy child does not need stimulation of the immune defense; it will “work” without tablets or pills.

Treatment with folk remedies

The effectiveness of folk remedies for influenza is approximately the same as that of most advertised drugs. At best there will be no harm. If you really want to treat your child this way, then it is advisable to first talk to the doctor and understand that not all folk remedies are equally useful.

The main thing is to understand that there are several prohibitions that are best not discussed. Such actions of mom and dad can harm a child with the flu.

Rubbing with vinegar, vodka or ice wraps in high heat. This can cause a sharp drop in thermoregulation and vasospasm.

Wrapping the child in warm clothes, smearing him with badger fat, and also pouring dry mustard into his socks. This can cause problems with heat transfer and overheating of the body.

Instilling onion or garlic juice into the nose. These are aggressive substances that “burn” and mutilate the mucous membranes.

Prevention

Vaccination will help protect your child from the flu. It is included in the mandatory calendar of preventive vaccinations. There is no point in giving it up. Of course, vaccination does not at all guarantee that the child will not become infected, but it will ensure that the disease progresses more easily and will minimize the likelihood of developing dangerous complications. This is the only specific preventive measure. All others are considered nonspecific.

These include a more attentive attitude to precautionary measures during a dangerous period in terms of the likelihood of infection. In spring and autumn, you should not visit crowded places with your child, especially if these crowds take place indoors.

You should not violate quarantine requirements if it is introduced in an educational institution or kindergarten. If it was not possible to protect the baby, it is important to take only medications prescribed by the doctor and not self-medicate. With proper treatment, the flu goes away fairly quickly.

​​A balanced diet rich in vitamins will be useful for prevention. If a child is on a diet prescribed by a doctor for a particular disease, he should definitely take multivitamins. There is no need to be afraid of walking. Walking in winter is useful and necessary; the flu virus quickly loses activity in the cold air.

Systematic exercise and an active and healthy lifestyle will help strengthen the immune system and make the baby healthier.

Doctor Komarovsky will tell you what is special about the influenza virus and how to treat it in the next video.

All rights reserved, 14+

Copying site materials is possible only if you install an active link to our site.

Source: http://www.o-krohe.ru/orvi/gripp/simptomy-i-lechenie/