Recently, a mother named Aunt Zhang encountered a situation that left her uneasy. Her grandson, Xiao Ming, a lively and adorable little boy, began to have symptoms of persistent cough and fever. As an elder who cares about the health of her children, Aunt Zhang is very anxious about this sudden illness.
As fate would have it, she met her family doctor, Dr. Lee. After learning more about Xiao Ming's condition, Dr. Lee warned that flu season is especially dangerous for children. He suggested that Aunt Zhang take Xiao Ming to the hospital for a professional examination as soon as possible.
At the hospital, the doctor confirmed that Xiao Ming had the flu. This diagnosis made Aunt Zhang realize that the flu is not only a problem for adults, but also a threat to children.
Influenza is a common respiratory illness that can be spread through droplets in the air or contact with items contaminated with the virus. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headache, and chills, among others. During the flu season, it is important for each of us to take precautions, especially for children and the elderly.
Measures to prevent influenza include:
Get a flu shot: This is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu.
Wash your hands frequently: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water can effectively reduce the spread of the virus.
Avoid close contact: Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Maintain personal hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and discard used tissues promptly.
Maintain good physical health: Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain emotional stability.
Auntie Zhang's experience reminds us that as elders in a family, we should not only care about our own health, but also the health of our younger members of the family. Let's take proactive steps together to protect our families from seasonal illnesses like the flu.
What is the flu and influenza virus?
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, which is highly contagious and variable. Influenza viruses are able to subtly alter their structure to evade the body's immune defenses. The main types of influenza viruses include A, B, C, and D (also known as A, B, C, and D). Of these types, influenza A and B viruses are the most common and have been the leading cause of multiple global influenza pandemics throughout history.
Influenza A viruses are of particular concern due to their high ability to mutate. They can produce new strains of the virus through genetic rearrangement or mutation, making it difficult for the body to develop long-term immunity. Therefore, even if they have had the flu before, people can still be infected with new strains of the virus in future flu seasons.
Influenza B viruses can still cause epidemics, although they mutate more slowly than A. Influenza C and D viruses are relatively rare, and they usually cause milder illness in the population.
Because of these properties of influenza viruses, precautions are particularly important. This includes getting a flu vaccine, practicing good personal hygiene Xi, and avoiding crowded places during flu season. The influenza vaccine is updated annually based on the results of global virus surveillance to provide optimal protection.
Symptoms of influenza in children
When our children or grandchildren are exposed to the flu, it is very important to know the symptoms and possible complications. Influenza is a common respiratory illness, especially in children, and it usually presents as mild to moderate illness.
In general, children may develop a fever quickly after being infected with the influenza virus, and the body temperature can sometimes reach as high as 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. They may feel cold or shivering and be accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, generalized muscle pain, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite. Coughing, sore throat, runny nose, or nasal congestion are also common signs.
It is important to note that children are more likely than adults to have gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which is more common in influenza B.
In addition to these initial symptoms, the flu can lead to some serious complications, including pneumonia, liver and kidney damage, central nervous system damage, heart muscle damage, and muscle problems. In rare cases, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and encephalitis or encephalopathy can be fatal.
As parents or grandparents, knowing this information is essential to protect our children from the flu. If your child or grandchild has flu symptoms, especially if they show signs of serious complications listed above, they should seek immediate medical attention. At the same time, maintaining good personal hygiene Xi, such as washing hands frequently and covering coughs, are also key measures to prevent influenza.
How to help your child prevent the flu
1. Actively get vaccinated against influenza
The flu vaccine is the most direct and effective way to prevent the flu. The flu vaccine is updated every year according to the mutation of the flu virus, so it is very important for you to stay up to date with this year's flu vaccine.
2. Maintain good hygiene Xi
The flu virus can survive on surfaces for hours. Therefore, it is crucial to develop the Xi of washing your hands frequently. Make sure to wash your hands before and after eating, and wash your clothes regularly, not only for yourself, but also for your family.
3. Maintain adequate hydration
Adequate hydration keeps the body functioning properly, especially keeping the mouth and nasal passages moist, which helps to remove viruses and bacteria. Remember to drink enough water every day, which can help significantly prevent the flu and reduce cold complications such as dehydration.
4. Reduce stress and maintain a good attitude
Psychological stress affects the body's immune system, making us more susceptible to disease. Therefore, maintaining a relaxed and happy state of mind, and reasonably arranging rest and entertainment time is an important part of improving immunity and staying away from the flu.