NST
INFLUENZA, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus.
It is often confused with the common cold, and hence the myth that it is a relatively mild illness that would go away within two to three days.
But influenza is much more severe than the cold. The generic term "flu" can also be caused by other respiratory viruses.
Although there are vaccinations to minimise the chance of catching the flu, immunity from influenza is still non-existent. This is because new influenza strains turn up regularly.
The flu virus is easily passed on from one person to another, which makes urban areas conducive for spreading the virus. The flu strikes more quickly than a cold, and people who get it feel more ill. While children with colds usually still have energy to play and keep up with their daily routines, the flu eventually keeps them in bed.
Children are most likely to be infected and spread the already highly contagious disease. It is more severe in children under two, who are suffering certain chronic conditions.
Influenza viruses are found in the nose and throat. Children are vulnerable because they touch their noses, eyes and mouths more often during play, such as at the playground.
Germs on toys are easily spread in this manner, including to parents.
During diaper-changing and feeding, with more body contact, the spread of the influenza virus is speeded up.
The virus can also spread through the air during coughing or sneezing.
What are the symptoms of influenza in children?
According to Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, adjunct professor of paediatrics, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences and consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, these symptoms are like those in adults, although there are a number of significant differences.
"Newborns and infants may have a high fever that can't be explained and no other signs. Young children usually have temperatures over 39.5oC and can have seizures. Flu is also an important cause of croup (an infection of the throat and vocal chords), pneumonia (lung infection) and bronchitis (infection of the airways that lead into the lungs) in young children," said Dr Musa.
More prevalent in younger children are stomach upsets, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, earaches and bloodshot eyes.
"In some cases, muscle swelling can lead to severe leg or back pain. In rare cases, influenza may affect the brain, causing prolonged seizures, confusion or unresponsiveness. Influenza may also weaken the immune system and lead to bacterial infections of the ear, lung or sinuses," he added.
The disease can be prevented through immunisation. Most people who are vaccinated will not get influenza. People already sick with it will have a less severe episode.
"Because there are always new influenza strains turning up, you have to get vaccinated every year - there is no lifetime protection."
Parents with young children especially need to take note as youngsters are more exposed to the virus compared with adults.
The influenza is also more serious in young children. Take note that the influenza vaccine prevents only influenza - and not the host of other respiratory illnesses that people sometimes mistake for the flu.
Dr Musa advised all children aged six to 23 months, as well as older children suffering certain chronic conditions, to get a flu shot each year.
He said parents, older siblings, caregivers and others living in the home of children younger than two should also receive the vaccine.
The most vulnerable age group would be those under nine. Children aged six months and older with chronic illnesses such as asthma, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, kidney dysfunction, blood disorders such as thalassaemia, metabolic diseases like diabetes and immuno-suppressed children including those with HIV are high-risk groups and should be vaccinated.
"Make sure your child has been vaccinated by the time he/she is six months old. Before this age, the immune system is too immature to develop protective antibodies. All other recommended vaccines need to be given as well as these will prevent some of the complications of influenza, such as bacterial infections of the ears or lungs."
He said the vaccine takes about two weeks to provide full protection from influenza.
Children younger than nine may need two shots (four weeks apart) during the first year of immunisation.
CHECKLIST TO KEEP THE FLU IN CHECK:
WHAT parents can do to prevent the spread of influenza -
Washing the hands is the most important way to reduce the spread of the flu:
* Wash your hands after being in direct contact with someone who has a respiratory infection.
* Wash your hands and your child's after wiping your his/her nose.
* Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or wiping your nose.
* When water and soap are not available, use pre-moistened hand wipes or alcohol-based hand rinses. Keep hand rinses out of reach of children because they are harmful if swallowed.
* Wash your hands after touching objects handled by someone who has influenza.
* Teach children to cover their noses and mouths with tissue when sneezing or coughing, to put used tissue in a wastebasket immediately, and to wash their hands after wiping their nose or handling tissues.
* If a family member has the flu, clean surfaces (such as toys, bathroom taps and doorknobs) after the ill person has touched them.
* If your child attends day-care, tell the caregiver if you think your child has influenza. Keep your child at home, away from day-care or school, until the fever is gone and he is feeling better. If both parents work, plan ahead by making arrangements in the event your child becomes ill.
New Straits Times/Asia News Network
This story was first published on June 16, 2008.
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