Flu

Common Illnesses

Coughs

Colds

Flu

RSV

Ear Infections
(Otitus Media)

Fevers

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Cavities

Stomach Aches

Sore Throats

Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions
Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Flu

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infection of the respiratory system that generally occurs between late November and early spring.

The infection begins suddenly, and the non-respiratory symptoms include headache, chills, muscle aches and high fever, which may last from five to seven days. A cough and "tired feeling" may persist for an additional two to three weeks after the acute symptoms disappear.

The flu is highly contagious and can spread from person to person by direct contact and by contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals. School-age children are the primary targets of the infection, and they spread the disease to younger children and adults.

The three major viruses that cause the disease have the ability to make major or minor changes in their structure. For this reason, individuals are susceptible to becoming infected each time the virus changes. This is why vaccinations are required on an annual basis for adults and children with chronic diseases.

The conditions that most people refer to as the flu are not generally true influenza but one of the common respiratory viruses.

The Flu is more than a bad cold, however, it is not caused by bacteria and, as such, antibiotics are neither indicated nor effective in treating the infection.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease and, contrary to public opinion, is safe. Routine influenza vaccination of healthy children has not been recommended by public health officials, but is safe and effective. The decision of whether or not to vaccinate a child should be a mutual decision between the child's parents and pediatrician.

Flu treatment consists primarily of rest, fluids and fever-lowering drugs such as Ibuprophen or Acetaminophen. Aspirin should not be given to children because of the resulting increased risk for Reye's syndrome. Whether or not to use amantadine, an antiviral drug effective against the virus, is a decision that should be made by the child's physician.

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Healthworks on Videotape

If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Coughs Colds Flu RSV Ear Infections (Otitus Media) Fevers Vomiting Diarrhea Cavities Stomach Aches Sore Throats Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Flu Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infection of the respiratory system that generally occurs between late November and early spring. The infection begins suddenly, and the non-respiratory symptoms include headache, chills, muscle aches and high fever, which may last from five to seven days. A cough and "tired feeling" may persist for an additional two to three weeks after the acute symptoms disappear. The flu is highly contagious and can spread from person to person by direct contact and by contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals. School-age children are the primary targets of the infection, and they spread the disease to younger children and adults. The three major viruses that cause the disease have the ability to make major or minor changes in their structure. For this reason, individuals are susceptible to becoming infected each time the virus changes. This is why vaccinations are required on an annual basis for adults and children with chronic diseases. The conditions that most people refer to as the flu are not generally true influenza but one of the common respiratory viruses. The Flu is more than a bad cold, however, it is not caused by bacteria and, as such, antibiotics are neither indicated nor effective in treating the infection. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease and, contrary to public opinion, is safe. Routine influenza vaccination of healthy children has not been recommended by public health officials, but is safe and effective. The decision of whether or not to vaccinate a child should be a mutual decision between the child's parents and pediatrician. Flu treatment consists primarily of rest, fluids and fever-lowering drugs such as Ibuprophen or Acetaminophen. Aspirin should not be given to children because of the resulting increased risk for Reye's syndrome. Whether or not to use amantadine, an antiviral drug effective against the virus, is a decision that should be made by the child's physician.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.