The flu in the baby

on

 The flu in the baby


Influenza is a disease caused by the Influenza virus that affects

 the nose, throat and lungs.


It is more frequent between November and March, coinciding with the winter months. It is transmitted through particles of saliva from an infected person, for example through droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, or through contact with body parts or surfaces contaminated by these droplets, such as hands and toys. 


The first step to protecting your baby from the flu is prevention . Therefore, it is essential to adopt measures that reduce the spread of the virus:


  • Reduce close contact with sick people;

  • Avoid closed spaces and with many people;

  • Protect your baby from the cold and sudden changes in temperature.


The manifestations of the flu in children can be slightly different from those in adults, depending on the age of the child.


 So in babies and younger children it is common to have:

  • High fever ;

  • Prostration (immobility and lack of reaction to stimuli);

  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea ;

  • Respiratory symptoms;


In older children, the symptoms are more similar to those in adults:

  • High fever;

  • Muscle and joint pain;

  • Dry cough;

  • Headaches;

  • Chills;


If your baby has these signs and symptoms, he may have the flu. Therefore, it is essential that you adopt some extra precautions:


  • Avoid taking the baby to daycare: opt for rest at home;

  • Protect your child from the cold by wrapping him in several layers of clothing;

  • In case of a stuffy nose, try applying saline solution or sea water; you can use a nasal aspirator to help aspirate the secretions;

  • Give him fluids (such as water and tea to prevent dehydration).


Can my baby get the flu vaccine?


The Directorate General for Health (DGS) recommends vaccinating pregnant women against the flu since, in addition to protecting the mother against a possible flu during pregnancy, it also protects the baby during the first 6 months of life (the pregnant woman transmits protection to the baby). 


When the baby is more than 6 months old, the possibility of vaccination should be discussed with the doctor and, as a rule, babies who have health conditions that make them more susceptible to possible complications from the flu are vaccinated. see more

Comments

Post a Comment