As the flu season is officially here, ensuring the health and well-being of children becomes paramount. To this end, we’ve consulted Dr Kevin Bootun, a respected paediatrician.
In this article, Dr Bootun shares his valuable insights and expert tips on flu prevalence, prevention, and precautions, equipping parents with essential information to safeguard their little ones during this season.
- How prevalent is the flu among children, and what age groups are most affected?
Research shows that young children are more susceptible to catching the flu compared to any other age group, with an average of 13% of young children aged 0 to 4 years old, compared to 8% among those aged 5 to 17 years old and just 7% among adults aged 18 to 49 years old.
- How can parents distinguish between a common cold and the flu in their children?
Paediatric influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but the flu is caused by influenza viruses, while common cold can be caused by other types of viruses.
Because the symptoms of both illnesses are so similar, it can be challenging to differentiate between them. Flu symptoms, like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and tiredness, are usually worse than cold symptoms, which often include a runny or stuffy nose. The flu can lead to serious associated complications, such as pneumonia.
- What are the recommended treatments for children diagnosed with the flu?
Generally, flu in children is treated symptomatically, using Acetaminophen for fever, fluids for rehydration and saline drops for nasal congestion. Oseltamivir is the preferred antiviral medication for patients with influenza A and B.
Antiviral treatment is recommended for children who are experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever with cough or either sore throat) or confirmed to have the flu, especially if they’re hospitalised, have severe or progressive disease, or experience underlying conditions that increase their risk of complications of flu, regardless of the duration of illness.
Prevention includes getting the flu vaccine annually and avoiding large crowds and interaction with sick people.
- How effective is the flu vaccine for children and at what age should children start receiving it?
The flu vaccine can be lifesaving in children. A 2022 study showed that flu vaccination reduced the risk of severe, life-threatening influenza in children by 75%.
Vaccination reduces the risk of flu-related emergency department/ urgent care visits and hospitalisation.
- What are some potential complications of the flu in children and how can they be recognised early?
Most children who contract the flu will recover in one or two weeks, but some of them can develop pneumonia or other complications, which can be life-threatening.
Potential complications include sinus, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, myositis, myocarditis and rarely multi-organ failure.
- How do coexisting conditions in children, like asthma or allergies, affect the management and treatment of the flu?
Coexisting conditions in children such as Asthma or allergies necessitate a more vigilant and tailored approach to flu management in children.
Flu can exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to increased wheezing and difficulty breathing. This also requires an increased dosage of asthma medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
Early antiviral treatment is often recommended to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis can complicate flu symptoms, making nasal congestion and runny nose more severe. The management of allergies may involve the use of antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids to control the symptoms.
General Considerations:
- Ensure children with these conditions receive the annual flu vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.
- Encourage good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the flu.
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on flu seasons in children and are there any additional precautions or considerations for parents now?
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted on flu seasons in children. During the pandemic, measures such as social distancing, wearing of the face mask and increased hygiene practices led to a significant reduction in flu cases. Lower exposure to the flu virus may have lowered the children’s immunity to the flu, potentially leading to more severe flu seasons as these measures were relaxed.
- How can schools and childcare centres play a role in preventing the spread of the flu?
Here are some recommendations to help reduce the spread of flu in schools:
- Teach students, parents and staff that flu vaccinations every flu season are the best form of protection against the flu
- Encourage students and school staff to stay home when sick
- Promote hand hygiene among students and staff by allocating specific times for handwashing and providing the necessary supplies
- Establish relationships with local public health officials for ongoing communication
Dr Kevin Bootun
Paediatrician
MBBS
Spc PEDS
Doctor’s Profile
Dr Kevin Bootun is a specialist in Paediatrics, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children. His areas of expertise encompass paediatric care, preventive medicine and disease management.
His commitment extends to the public service and community health education, where he provides invaluable medical advice and family support.
