INFLUENZA

Influenza Treatment in Jumeirah, Dubai

Overview:

The influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Influenza Symptoms:

People who have the influenza often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

If you notice any of the above influenza symptoms in your child, then you need to see a pediatrician right away to seek treatment.

Influenza Treatment

In children, you should seek help if the child has any of the above or if the child:

• Has blue or purplish skin color
• Is so irritable that he or she does not want to be held
• Does not have tears when crying (in infants)
• Has a fever with a rash
• Does not wake up easily

The pediatrician will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of influenza in your child, and possibly conduct a test that detects influenza viruses. He may prescribe an antiviral medication to diagnose your child with influenza based on symptoms.

Treating the symptoms of influenza can help your child to feel better but will not make the flu go away faster.

• Rest until the flu is fully resolved, especially if the illness has been severe.
• Fluids – Drink enough fluids so that you do not become dehydrated.
• Nasal saline drops and suctioning
• Acetaminophen can relieve fever, headache, and muscle aches.
• Cough medicines are not usually helpful; cough usually resolves without treatment

While getting a influenza vaccine each year is recommended as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu, there also are drugs that can treat influenza. These are called “influenza antiviral drugs” and they are an important treatment option for the influenza.

Looking for an ideal treatment for influenza? Contact our highly trained Pediatrician at SHAMMA Clinic in Jumeirah, Dubai to know more about Influenza & its treatment in children.