It is a matter of concern that the number of Swine Flu cases in several parts of the country continue to be on the rise. It can also be because seasonal flu outbreak peaks post winters during December and March, and then from July to September. According to an ent surgeon, there’s a need to be more careful of this highly contagious H1N1 virus carrying flu.
In this scenario, if you, as a parent, feel anxious about protecting your kids from this flu, then your concern is justified. Children, especially those below the age of five, are more vulnerable to swine flu and its related complications. However, by getting your kids vaccinated by a doctor in pediatrics, and making them wash hands frequently, you can prevent the flu.
What is Swine Flu?
An infection of the respiratory system, Swine Flu is caused by the H1N1 virus. Having symptoms like high fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body pain and fatigue, it also includes diarrhea and vomiting.
Highly communicable, it spreads through droplets, from sneezing and coughing. It may also get transmitted through hands already carrying the flu causing virus. Also, this flu infects the respiratory system more deeply than any other seasonal flu.
How To Find Out Your Child Has Swine Flu?
The main reason for an elevated risk in kids is because they have relatively low immunity as compared to elders.
So, if swine flu is widespread in your community and your kid is showing similar symptoms, then your kid might have caught the infection. It is essential to remain vigilant to any signs that the kid may show up. Since it looks like any other flu, you may also want to get a medical test done.
Swine flu is slightly different from common flu. In this, sudden high fever accompanies body ache, diarrhoea, vomiting, headache and scratchy sore throat. So, if suddenly your child complains of all these symptoms, it might be an indication for you.
Which Children Are at A Greater Risk?
- Those who have been treated for Asthma in the past three years
- Healthy children under the age of two years
- Children having any serious illness like cancer, kidney or liver disorder
- Kids who have diabetes or neuromuscular disease
- Those with a weak immune system or under long-term aspirin therapy
Complications in Children
Although, not more dangerous than regular seasonal flu, yet children who have no immunity to this, can develop serious complications if once infected.
They may have to see a doctor if they face any of the following complications:
- Ear and sinus infections are two of the most common complications.
- High-risk children may also develop pneumonia.
- Those with asthma may suffer from flu induced flare-ups.
- Limping or refusal to walk due to severe pain in the muscles.
- Dehydration due to an extremely sore throat.
How to Keep Your Children Safe?
Despite the elevated risk, there are some ways to keep your children safe. You can browse this site to look for pediatricians.
The first thing to do is to get them vaccinated. Besides that, you should encourage them to follow good hand hygiene practices through reading a Kids Hygiene Book. One of the significant causes of swine flu is coming in contact with an infected area and then touching your nose or mouth. That is why it is important to instill hand washing habits with Dettol Hand Wash to prevent them from catching this infection. Everyone can also do their part to protect each other. For example business establishments may setup sneeze screens to protect their staff and customers. If you have to go to the hospital make sure you have a medical malpractice lawyer in mind just in case the medical staff harms you in any way.
Also, as it’s difficult to stop kids from being out in public, always tell them to use Dettol Hand Sanitizer. It will banish any infections that they may have caught, you can also find Bulk Hand Sanitizer and other sanitization products over at https://www.mistnano.com/. You should guide your kids to cover their mouth when sneezing or coughing. To practice further precaution, you can also have them avoid any person who seems to be infected, especially in their circle.
So, be aware and cautious and let your kids stay safe and happy!
