It’s that time of the year again, when the flu bug strikes! Influenza, or commonly known as the “flu”, is a contagious illness that can affect anyone, including healthy people. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs), causing inflammation.
As a parent, this may be rather worrying, especially if you have a young child aged 6 months to 5 years old, as they are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications. However, flu can be prevented with some simple precautions. You can speak to your doctor about flu vaccination for you and your child.
Mrs Tracy Olsen, 45, a parent of two, exclaimed, “Flu is more infectious than I thought. My son Bill was playing with his classmate who had the flu, and the next day he fell sick, with a runny nose and fever!”
The flu spreads through droplets in the air, when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Infections can also spread indirectly when a person touches contaminated surfaces such as a door knob, and then touches his nose or mouth. If your child is unwell, it would be advisable to bring him to see a doctor and keep him at home until he is fully recovered. Crowded places such as schools, childcare centres, shopping malls and playgrounds should also be avoided.
Common symptoms of flu range from sore throat and a runny nose which might develop into high fever. If a severe case of influenza is not treated, it could lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Once your child shows symptoms of being unwell, do record his temperature regularly as a fever can be one of the first signs of an infection.
“As parents of children, we should be socially responsible for other children’s well-being as well and take steps to make sure the flu does not spread to other kids in school,” added another parent, Mr Gregory Lim, 35
Stop the spread of germs by teaching your child to cover his mouth and nose with a tissue when he coughs or sneezes. Don’t forget to remind him to dispose of the used tissue into a dustbin. Prevention is also better than cure, so encourage your child to wash his hands regularly with soap and water, or show him how to use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Good habits begin at home. Ensure that all family members of the household eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, have enough sleep and rest, and exercise regularly. Leading a healthy lifestyle and being socially responsible will go a long way in protecting you and your family from the flu.
