Colds and Flu in Children

What are they?

Colds and flu (influenza) are very common infections of upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, ears and sinuses).

What causes them?

Colds and flu are caused by viruses. The infections are contagious, transmitted through droplets and hand contact. There are hundreds of different types of viruses that can cause a cold, which explains why children of repeated colds. Influenza is caused by the influenza virus. There are three main types: A (often the cause of flu epidemics), B and C. The flu virus constantly changes its structure, new strains each year, so what. We have no immunity to new strains, which can catch flu repeatedly.

Who's affected?

Anyone can catch a cold or the flu. The peak season for colds is the coldest winter months, not only because of the weather, but because central heating dries on normally moist nasal mucosa - an important defense against invading viruses for years. But you can catch a cold at any time of, a certain type of cold virus thrives in the summer. Influenza occurs rarely outside November to February in Britain. Some children are at particularly high risk of flu complications, such as those with immunosuppression or chronic lung or heart disease.

What are the symptoms?

Cold causes a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, mild fever and tiredness, lasting two to four days. Influenza is more severe with high fever (usually 39 º C or higher), chills, headache, severe muscle pain, fatigue, anorexia, cough and sometimes a stuffy nose and sore throat. It may take a week or more, and possible complications include pneumonia.

How are colds and flu treated?

Most colds do not last long, and require no special treatment other than painkillers and simple measures such as decongestant rubs or evaporators. Antibiotics are of no use. Zinc and Echinacea supplements may help solve a cold faster. Children of the flu can be given similar treatment, with plenty of rest, medication to lower fever and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Lowering the temperature may also be useful when someone has a fever. Specific antiviral treatments for influenza are now available, but generally they are only given to those at high risk of influenza complications.

Further help

If you are worried about your child's health, contact your doctor. Children at high risk of flu complications, we recommend influenza vaccination every year. This is done annually in the fall, to protect the existing stocks.