We saw minimal flu this past year thanks to masking. However, we are starting to see an uptick recently. Just yesterday I had 5 positive flu cases on my schedule.
What the what!?! It’s April!🌈
Why could this be? My hypothesis:
✔️spring break and traveling
✔️covid fatigue leading to more outings, play dates, and letting our guard down
✔️less masking as people become vaccinated
I have heard responses such as, “Oh good, I’m glad it’s just the flu and not COVID19.”
Let us not forget- The flu, especially for young children can be scary, dangerous, and sometimes fatal.
SYMPTOMS:
◾️fever
◾️body aches
◾️runny nose
◾️congestion
◾️cough
◾️sore throat
◾️fatigue
◾️occasionally vomiting and/or diarrhea
◾️decreased appetite
TREATMENT:
◾️hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
◾️rest
◾️acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for discomfort (if appropriate and based on weight)
◾️saline nasal spray as needed for congestion
◾️honey (if over the age of 1) for cough and sore throat
◾️In some scenarios, your provider may prescribe an antiviral. Take as directed and be sure to ask about expected side effects and length of treatment. (See my thoughts below)
WHAT I DON’T RECOMMEND:
❌cough and cold meds- they don’t work!!! They can also sometimes be more harmful than helpful
❌Tamiflu for everyone- Tamiflu is given in certain situations and for those with an underlying medical condition (i.e. asthma, diabetes, sickle cell disease, etc.). Tamiflu can have some ugly side effects and does not CURE you of the flu. Otherwise healthy individuals should be able to beat the flu without Tamiflu. Chat with your provider about this!
PREVENTION:
◾️get your flu shot!!!!!!
◾️wash your hands
◾️cover your coughs and sneezes
◾️don’t share cups, utensils, etc.
◾️wear your mask 😷
◾️stay home if you are sick!!
When in doubt, have your child evaluated by his/her provider.
Did you get your flu shot this year?💉💉💉💉💉💉
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