Influenza Outbreak: Early Diagnosis and Prevention for Your Child's Health

We’re in the thick of the worst flu season since 2009, according to Axios News. The CDC is expecting up to 51 million cases this season, which runs from October to May. Last year, about 40 million people were ill with the flu. 

As you've probably heard, the best way to minimize your chance of getting the flu and serious complications from this is the flu vaccine. However, you may still catch this highly contagious respiratory virus even with the vaccine. According to the Mayo Clinic, flu shots are 22-56% effective at preventing the flu. 

Board-certified pediatrician Dr. Sima Stein of Sima Stein, MD, located in San Jose, California, can help protect you and your family against the flu, diagnose your illness, and prescribe treatment to get you well again faster. Learn how to fight the flu this season. 

How does the flu spread?

Experts say the flu spreads through tiny droplets from sick people's talking, sneezing, and coughing. You can also get sick by touching a surface that a contaminated person touched and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Unfortunately, some people are contagious before symptoms manifest. In general, someone is contagious from the day before they’re symptomatic through 5-7 days after that, with a peak infectious time during the first three days of illness. Some people are contagious for longer.

Because of this infectious period, it's vital that you stay home and away from others as soon as you start to feel sick. Flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headaches or body aches

If you notice these symptoms in your child, keep them home from school. 

How to prevent the flu and severe flu complications

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months or older who doesn't have a medical reason to avoid the vaccine get a flu vaccine every year. Not only does getting the vaccine lower your chances of getting the flu, but it also lowers your chance of experiencing complications, especially if you're in a high-risk group.

Young children and women who are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or recently gave birth during flu season are considered high risk. Moderate complications include ear and sinus infections, and severe complications can include pneumonia and inflammation of the heart or brain. 

In addition to the flu shot, prevention strategies include frequently washing your hands and commonly touched surfaces. If soap and water aren't accessible, use a hand sanitizer. Other flu prevention tips include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough
• Stay away from sick people
• Purify your indoor air by letting fresh air in or with an air purifier

For extra protection, wear a face mask in crowded areas or whenever you feel you're at high risk of exposure to unhealthy germs. 

Diagnosis and treatment

If you suspect you have the flu, make an appointment with Dr. Stein. In some cases, she can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms. If not, she can order a test to determine if you have the flu or other type of illness. 

Early diagnosis can help, especially if you’re at high risk for complications or experiencing severe symptoms. Dr. Stein can prescribe antiviral medication, which is most effective if administered within two days of getting sick, but it can also help if taken later. Antiviral drugs can shorten the length of your illness and lessen the severity of your symptoms.

Additionally, getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and staying away from others will help speed up recovery and prevent the spread of the flu. If you think your child has the flu, contact Sima Stein, MD, to make an appointment to find out how to make your child feel better.