Flu Facts: Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat and nasal congestion.
Flu is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and the flu virus is sent into the air. The virus than enters the nose, throat or lungs of another person and infects them. Flu virus is less commonly spread by touching a surface that has flu virus on it.
Antibiotics will not cure the flu. Some receive a flu shot in an effort to prevent it. Over the counter medications may relieve flu symptoms. The National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease recommends acetaminophen(Tylenol) for children; aspirin or acetaminophen for adults. Decongestants, cough suppressants, use of a humidifier may provide relief of symptoms. Fluid intake should be increased and the use of alcohol and tobacco products avoided. For more information go to www.cdc.gov/flu
When a school-aged child has the flu do NOT give them aspirin or aspirin containing products. Most antihistamines cause drowsiness. If a child still has a stuffy nose when returning to school ask the doctor to prescribe a non-drowsy antihistamine.
Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes, wash their hands regularly, and keep them away from their eyes, nose and mouth. A child sick with the flu is contagious and should stay home until symptoms have improved and is fever free for 24 hours.
Is it a cold or the flu?
Is it allergies or a cold?