Does Your Child Have The Flu? Signs And Symptoms

As a parent, we know that your top priority is keeping your child happy and healthy. With the flu season in full swing, you must understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of this virus so you can get your child the care they need to overcome or avoid this condition. At Pediatric Associates of Plainview, our pediatrician in Hicksville, NY knows all about influenza and the effects it can have on your child. We can educate parents on the warning signs and provide the necessary treatment to prevent the illness from progressing to potentially dangerous levels.

What To Look For?

The flu virus travels through the air in droplets. This means that by coughing, sneezing, or even just talking, a person who has been infected by this virus can pass it along to your child. It can even begin to spread before a person starts showing any symptoms, so you may not be able to take the extra precaution of having your child avoid someone who is carrying the flu. Should your child begin to display the below symptoms, contact our pediatrician in Hicksville, NY right away:

Aching muscles.
A dry, persistent cough.
Nasal congestion.
Sore throat.
Weakness and fatigue.
Chills and sweats.
Fever over 100.4 degrees.

The Importance Of Catching The Flu Early:

Dealing with the flu can be a nightmare for both you and your child. And, if you do not receive treatment from our pediatrician in Hicksville, NY right away, this bad situation can become even worse. Secondary conditions and complications that the flu can bring when not treated right away may include some of the following:

Dehydration.
Ear infections.
Inflammation of the heart, brain, and muscle tissues.
Multi-organ failure.
Pneumonia.

In extreme cases, the flu can be fatal, which is why you should always seek out help from a doctor as soon as this virus becomes present.

Prevention:

The absolute best treatment for this virus is to prevent it from infecting your child in the first place. The most effective prevention method is to receive a flu vaccination annually. Since there are different strands of this virus, each year’s vaccine offers protection against the three or four most likely ones to be prevalent that year. Our pediatrician in Hicksville, NY administers this vaccination every flu season via injection or nasal spray to provide your child with the necessary protection.

Contacting Our Pediatrician in Hicksville, NY:

You should never take the flu virus lightly. Our team at Pediatric Associates of Plainview understands the many ramifications associated with the flu, which is why we offer treatment and prevention options to hopefully keep your child free from this complication. If you believe that your child has contracted the flu, contact us right away to set up an appointment with our pediatrician in Hicksville, NY to get them the help they need!