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With the arrival of spring it would seem we are through the worst of the winter flu season, however, there are still plenty of lurgies lingering, and seasonal flu is at its most prevalent for a six-eight week period during winter-spring.
Influenza as it is officially called is caused by an extremely contagious virus that is easily spread via the fluids produced during coughing and sneezing or via direct contact with these fluids on shared surfaces such as toys.
There are three types of flu virus – influenza A, B and C and older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with an underlying medical condition are more vulnerable to the flu virus and more likely to develop serious complications as a result.
Due the flu virus's ability to change its surface structure people's immune systems may not be capable of effectively fighting each new strain which circulates in the winter season. This is why people in high-risk categories should be immunised each year. In early childhood environments this includes staff who are likely to be exposed to the virus more frequently than people in other sectors due to the challenges of controlling the spread of germs among very small children.
What are the symptoms?
Contrary to popular belief seasonal flu is not simply a bad cold and while they share some symptoms a bout of the flu usually lasts much longer than a cold, especially in people in high-risk categories.
Symptoms of the flu include:
- fever and chills
- cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches, joint pains, headaches and fatigue (feeling very tired)
- nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults)
It is important to seek immediate medical advice if the illness quickly becomes worse or if any of the following symptoms occurs:
- shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- chest pain
- confusion or sudden dizziness
- persistent vomiting
Treatment of flu
Prevention is the best way of controlling the spread of flu, which is why immunisation is so highly recommended especially for people in high-risk categories. There are some antiviral medications available for the flu but they need to be administered early and may only reduce symptoms rather than preventing them. These medications are not substitutes for immunisation.
The recommended treatment for mild or moderate flu is to:
- Stay in bed and rest until your body temperature has been in the normal range for 48 hours.
- Drink enough fluids to maintain normal urine output.
- Take paracetamol to control fever, aches and pains (adults can use aspirin).
- Early use of antiviral medication may shorten the length and severity of illness. Discuss treatment with your doctor.
- Avoid exposure to dust, alcohol, fumes and tobacco smoke as much as possible.
It is important to take these steps and look after yourself or your family member to avoid serious complications, such as pneumonia. Consult your doctor if you develop further symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, coughing up green or yellow phlegm (mucous) or severe headache.
What can be done to stop the spread of influenza?
Influenza is spread from person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people. In Early childhood environments it can spread very quickly due to the closeness with which young children play, shared toys and children's lack of awareness surrounding sneezing, coughing and good hand hygiene.
ECTs need to work hard to constantly remind children about the correct procedures for coughing and sneezing and how to wash hands correctly to reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading. In addition:
- You should advise the parents of children with flu symptoms to keep their child home until the symptoms are gone.
- Children should be encourage to cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or if a tissue isn't workable children should be taught to sneeze into their hand or elbow and then wash their hand.
- Children should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and during peak periods of seasonal flu.
- Although it may be hard, children should also be taught to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Children with special needs
Children with special needs (such as chronic illnesses or neurological disorders) may be at higher risk of developing complications from all types of influenza. These children should be encouraged to seek early medical advice if they become unwell with flu symptoms.
Influenza vaccination is especially important for these children.
If your early childhood service specifically caters for children with special needs and there is a high level of flu-related absenteeism this winter, contact your local Public Health Unit for advice.
References
NSW Department of Health Website
Better Health Channel
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