Spring is the active period of influenza virus, please parents and friends do not take it lightly, let's find out together!
Get to know the flu
Influenza (influenza for short) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It can occur all year round, and there are seasonal fluctuations in the onset, and it often occurs in winter and spring in Nantong. It is highly contagious and children are prone to complications after contracting influenza.
Sources of infection and routes of transmission of influenza
Influenza viruses are widely found in nature.
Source of infection: Influenza patients and recessive infections are the main sources of influenza infection, and they are infectious from the end of the incubation period to the acute stage. Infected animals can also be a source of infection.
Transmission route: It is mainly transmitted by droplets such as sneezing and coughing, and can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the mouth, nasal cavity, and eyes. Contact with items contaminated with the virus can also cause infection.
Deciphering the flu virus
Influenza viruses are divided into A, B, C, D four types, and the main ones that infect humans are influenza A H1, H3 viruses and influenza B viruses. Influenza A and B viruses are sensitive to commonly used disinfectants such as ethanol, iodophor and iodine tincture; Sensitive to ultraviolet rays and heat, it can be inactivated in 30 minutes at 56°C.
What are the symptoms of flu in children?
The incubation period of influenza in children is generally 1-7 days, and most of them are 2-4 days.
The main manifestations are:
(1) Acute onset, body temperature can reach 39~40 °C, may have chills, chills;
(2) Cough, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion, facial flushing, conjunctival hyperemia and other symptoms;
(3) Often accompanied by headache, systemic muscle aches, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite and other systemic symptoms;
(4) A small number of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, more digestive tract symptoms in children than adults;
(5) Easy to cause acute laryngitis, acute otitis media, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia.
How can I prevent flu in children?
Three magic weapons to prevent influenza
Magic weapon one: general precautions
Maintaining good personal hygiene is an important means of preventing respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza. The main measures include: strengthening physical fitness and immunity; wash your hands frequently; Keep the environment clean and ventilated; Minimize activities in crowded places and avoid contact with people with respiratory infections; Maintain good respiratory hygiene habits, cover your mouth and nose with tissues, towels, etc. when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, and try to avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose; If symptoms of respiratory infection occur, you should rest at home and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Magic weapon two: get the flu vaccine
The most effective means of preventing influenza is to recommend influenza vaccination for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children over 6 months of age, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases and medical personnel. After 2~4 weeks of influenza vaccination, antibodies with protective levels are produced, and antibody titers begin to decay after 6~8 months.
Therefore, vaccination is required every year and immune protection is guaranteed before the high influenza season.
Magic weapon three: use drug prevention
Pharmacoprophylaxis is not a substitute for vaccination and should only be used as an emergency interim preventive measure for people at high risk of severe influenza who have not been vaccinated or have not acquired immunity after vaccination. Oseltamivir, zanamivir, etc. can be used.
How to care for children after diagnosis
1. When the fever exceeds 38.5°, take antipyretic drugs in time to cool down;
2. Drink more water, rest more, eat lightly, open windows for ventilation;
3. If the additional symptoms are serious, go to the hospital in time;
4. Promptly ask for leave with the kindergarten and do a good job of isolation.
Finally, parents and friends are invited to actively cooperate with the kindergarten, do a good job of protection together, and care for the healthy growth of every child!