As children head back to school and the weather begins to cool down, it’s important to start thinking about protecting your child from the flu. While influenza can affect anyone, young children are particularly vulnerable to the virus. That’s why it’s essential to take preventative measures to keep your child healthy throughout flu season. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to protect your child from the flu, including vaccination, hand hygiene, and healthy lifestyle habits. By following these precautionary tips, you can help keep your child safe from the dangers of influenza.
In India, the H3N2 subtype of the influenza virus has become more prevalent, especially among children under the age of 5. As Covid-19 cases continue to rise, there has been a surge in the number of children experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, cold, and chronic cough that can last up to three weeks. Some children also experience high fevers that do not respond to paracetamol, and loose motions. H3N2 can cause major complications in children, leading to respiratory infections or pneumonia, which may require hospitalization and can even lead to mortality in severe cases.
The H3N2 strain of the Type A Influenza virus is responsible for up to 50% of hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses in India, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Influenza is a common respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus, which has several types, including A, B, C, and D. The H3N2 and H1N1 strains of Type A influenza are common and have been circulating for a while now, with the ability to undergo gradual or sudden mutations.
It is challenging to differentiate between the symptoms of H3N2 and the common cold, seasonal flu, or even mild cases of Covid-19. Symptoms include high-grade fever, chills, myalgia, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loose stools, vomiting, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory issues, chest tightness, and persistent high fever. A doctor may prescribe tests to diagnose the disease.
The virus spreads through infected droplets and surfaces contaminated with respiratory secretions, making it highly contagious. To keep yourself and your family safe during the ongoing outbreak, follow basic precautions such as practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding social events and public areas, wearing a face mask in public, spending the first 5-7 days of illness at home, avoiding self-medication, and keeping away from young children, the elderly, and anyone with ongoing medical conditions.
Immunization is crucial in protecting against the H3N2 virus. Trivalent and quadrivalent inactivated influenza virus vaccinations are approved for use and advised for all children over six months of age in India. Ideally, all individuals should receive an annual flu shot, especially those at high risk for serious illness, such as young children, elderly people, pregnant women, or people with chronic medical conditions. It is wise for all adults to get immunized during epidemics like the one currently being experienced to protect those at risk from exposure.
Parents and caregivers need to stay vigilant and seek medical attention if their child experiences any symptoms, and follow prevention strategies to ensure the health and safety of their family.
As parents, protecting our children from harm is always at the top of our priority list. When it comes to influenza, there are steps we can take to reduce the risk of our children falling prey to this common yet potentially dangerous illness. By following the tips outlined in this article, we can ensure that our children stay healthy, happy, and flu-free throughout the year. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take action now and safeguard your child’s well-being. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and together, let’s beat the flu!
