The flu season has arrived and it is important to be aware of how the flu presents, how to prevent its spread and what to do if your child shows any signs or symptoms of the flu. Please carefully read this information and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Influenza (the Flu)

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an infection caused by a strain (version) of the influenza virus. It mainly affects the nose, throat and lungs, although it can involve other parts of the body. In healthy children it is much like a bad cold, however, influenza can cause more serious illness, especially in very young children and those with chronic medical conditions.

Influenza occurs mainly during the winter months. Each year, infections are caused by slightly different strains of the virus.

Signs and Symptoms of Influenza

Influenza usually begins with a sudden fever and at least two of the following symptoms:

• Aches and pains
• Headache
• Cough or noisy breathing
• Sore throat and runny nose
• Low energy
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

When to See a Doctor

If you think your child has influenza, you should see a GP who may want to do a test to confirm if your child has influenza. Do not send your child to school.

Antibiotics are not helpful for influenza because antibiotics do not treat viruses. Your child will only be prescribed antibiotics if they are suspected to also have a bacterial infection.

Influenza can be more serious in children with chronic (long-lasting) medical conditions, including:

• Chronic respiratory conditions (including asthma)
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic neurological or metabolic conditions
• Chronic kidney or liver problems
• Diabetes mellitus.

It can also be more serious in children who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system because of medicines or illness). If your child has any of these conditions, and they show signs of influenza, see your doctor.

Antiviral medications (such as Tamiflu) are sometimes given to children with chronic medical conditions or who have developed severe symptoms. These medicines are not given to otherwise fit and healthy children who have influenza because the medicines do not usually make a difference to the duration of the illness. They also have little effect if given more than 48 hours into the illness.

Care at Home

Most children recover from influenza within seven days without any treatment. Ensure your child has plenty of bed rest, encourage them to drink lots of fluids and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or discomfort. Do not give aspirin to your child as this can lead to serious side effects.

If your child has influenza, keep them home from childcare, kindergarten or school until they are well again.

If your child becomes more unwell or is showing signs of dehydration or is having difficulty breathing, you should go back to the GP urgently. Some children may need to be admitted to hospital.

How is Influenza Spread?

Influenza is very infectious. It can spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, and by touching objects that have been in contact with saliva or mucus from an infected person. A person with influenza is contagious from the day before symptoms begin until a few days after. Therefore, it is very important not to send your child to school if they are showing any signs of the flu.

Good hygiene reduces the chance of getting influenza or passing it to others. Good hygiene includes:

• Regularly washing hands thoroughly.
• Not sharing cups or cutlery.
• Encouraging children to cough or sneeze into their elbow.
• Using tissues instead of hankies – teach your child to throw tissues into the bin as soon as they have used them and to wash their hands afterwards.

Influenza Vaccine (the Flu Shot)

The influenza vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the chance of your child becoming sick with influenza. The vaccine can be given to any child over six months of age. It is voluntary, but encouraged for everyone.

If your child has a chronic medical condition, it is strongly recommended that they have an annual influenza vaccination. All household members should also be vaccinated to reduce the chances of your child being exposed to influenza.

Because the influenza virus mutates (changes) slightly from year to year, your child will need a new and updated influenza vaccine at the beginning of each influenza season. Two doses are often required in the first year of vaccination for children aged under nine.

Side effects of the vaccine include pain and redness at the site of injection. Less commonly, children may develop a fever or aches and pains, which last one to two days. The vaccine cannot cause influenza as it contains inactivated (killed) influenza virus.

While the current influenza vaccines are made using small traces of egg proteins, extensive research shows influenza vaccines are safe for children with an egg allergy or egg anaphylaxis. All children will be observed for 15 minutes following the vaccination.

Key Points to Remember

• Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza.
• Influenza is very infectious so good hygiene is important.
• Do not send your child to school or childcare if they have any flu symptoms.
• Influenza is caused by a virus so antibiotics cannot be used to treat it.
• Contact your GP urgently if your child has influenza and becomes more unwell or shows signs of dehydration or breathing difficulties.

More Information

• Read the Victorian Department of Health’s advice concerning influenza.
• See your GP.