Written by Editorial Team
Flu in babies is a common condition. Flu is the common name for Influenza and it is a viral infection. In India, flu occurs frequently from June-September and November-February. During this time the infection is at its peak. It is a transmissible disease that attacks the respiratory system.
Flu can have some severe reactions in babies. The baby can suffer from a high fever. Body ache is a very common symptom. The baby can also suffer from severe cough and runny or stuffy nose. Flu in babies generally lasts for a week or two. But in some cases when the babies suffer from acute illness, hospitalization may be needed.
In This Article
Flu or influenza is a disease caused due to viral infection. Mainly the respiratory system is affected – it attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. The intensity of the disease may vary from mild to severe.
Influenza is communicable and can spread in many ways
Thus, it is very important to maintain cleanliness and keep the patient in a separate room so that others don’t get affected. It is always better to exercise caution when it comes to this disease.
Infants are prone to suffer from flu or influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that children under 5 years of age, and especially those under 2 years of age, are more likely to suffer from severe flu symptoms like pneumonia and dehydration.
CDC also suggests that infants cannot fight against influenza because of their low immunity. Thus, parents need to be very careful if they notice any flu-like symptoms (fever, running nose, severe cough, and cold) and should consult a doctor without wasting time.
[Read : Cough in Babies]
Influenza or flu is a highly communicable viral disease, which can get transmitted easily and can make your baby ill. It is an airborne disease and can infect a person through the virus present in the air. In fact, an infected surface can also transmit the virus to a healthy baby, and the person suffering from flu can easily become the medium of transmission and can affect a healthy baby.
Some of the major causes of flu in babies include
If the baby touches any contaminated surface and then uses the same hand to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth they can easily catch the infection.
Flu spreads through airborne particles. When the infected person sneezes or coughs or even speaks without covering the mouth, then the virus can easily transmit to the baby through droplets via air.
Babies with flu can infect other babies from the first day after catching the infection. And they can continue to be infectious for a longer period of time.
Babies, when they catch the flu can exhibit the following symptoms
The doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines for treating flu in babies. Antiviral medicines are given by the doctor for cutting short the duration of the infection, preventing complications arising from influenza and toning down the symptoms of the virus.
However, these medicines should be given within 48 hours of the symptoms first appearing in the baby. Please note that all doctors may not prescribe antiviral medication for babies as they can have severe side effects.
Some medicines used for influenza treatment are:
All these medications should be prescribed only by the doctor. Never self-medicate babies, always seek your doctor’s advice when your baby is unwell.
Some measures can be taken by the parents to help prevent flu in babies. These are
If you notice any symptoms of flu in your baby, then consult the doctor immediately
Flu vaccine is the best defense against the influenza virus in babies. The vaccine reduces the severity of the disease and any complications in babies. Giving the influenza vaccine to babies aged 6 months and above is a must and should be done by every parent without fail.
Infants generally need 2 doses of flu vaccines.
Influenza vaccine is also given to expecting mothers to protect them and their unborn babies from the serious effects of the flu if they get infected by any chance. The antibodies produced in the mother’s body, as a result of the vaccine, then pass on to the baby, offering them some protection from the flu virus for the first 6 months of their life.
[Read : Flu Shots for Babies]
If your baby catches the flu, they will require a lot of love and care. You can follow these top 5 tips to make your baby comfortable.
If you notice any flu symptoms in your baby, then you should call the doctor immediately without delay. Also, contact the doctor if you notice some worrying symptoms like-
Flu in babies is just as common as it is in adults. However, timely treatment and care are vital to ensure that they get back to normal. Do consult your doctor if your baby has a high fever and seems restless. By giving timely medication and taking proper care fo your baby, you can help them recover quickly.
[Read : Breathing Problems in Babies]
Generally, babies suffer for a week, but tiredness persists. The baby may remain tired for about 4 weeks and may suffer from a cough and cold for a few days.
Yes, mother’s milk (breast milk) helps babies to fight any disease. Breast milk is obviously good for babies as it contains antibodies and other immunological factors.
Yes, flu can turn into pneumonia. Infants suffering from acute flu are at risk of suffering from pneumonia if not treated on time.
Read Also: Chikungunya in Babies – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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