What to Give a 2-Year-Old With the Flu?

This year's flu season could end up as one of the most severe and widespread; the World Health Organization declared an H1N1 pandemic for 2009, the first pandemic in more than 40 years. The attention placed on this particular strain of influenza is overwhelming. It is important to get the facts and know the signs of the flu--H1N1 or the seasonal virus--particularly for those most at risk, such as young children. Here is what you need to know in case your toddler develops flu-like symptoms.

Vaccinate

• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications and approximately 36,000 die from flu-related causes. In an effort to prevent the spread of illness, the U.S. government and state and local health-care officials are urging vaccinations--both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine--particularly for those who are most at risk: young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic lung conditions such as asthma and health-care workers. The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses seasonal flu vaccines for all children 6 months to 18 years age. This year, because of the onset of the H1N1 virus, it is urging that children 6 months to 24 years of age receive an H1N1 vaccine as well. Despite taking these precautions, your toddler may develop a case of influenza.

Flu Symptoms

• Recognizing the symptoms will enable you to quickly take the necessary steps to ensure your child's recovery. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, runny nose or cough, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, sore throat and body aches. Given the severity of this year's flu season and its prevalence so early on, it is wise to contact your child's pediatrician immediately if your child develops one of more of these symptoms or, in severe cases, exhibits difficulty breathing, intolerance to liquids or extreme lethargy. There are tests that your pediatrician can readily perform to determine if your child has influenza, and then she can prescribe the necessary medications.

Rest, Remedies, and Chicken Soup

• If your little one does indeed have the flu, your pediatrician might prescribe Tamiflu, an antiviral drug available in liquid or capsule form that has been in use since 1999. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu are typically prescribed for severe cases of influenza. Whether your child is prescribed Tamiflu or not, has the seasonal flu or H1N1, there are a few standard measures to take to keep your child as comfortable as possible and to help aid the recovery process and prevent the spread of infection:

  -- Keep your toddler quiet and calm, either in bed or on a couch. A favorite blanket or pajamas is always nice. The more comfortable you can make them, the more likely it is that they'll stay put. Watching a movie or cartoon is nice, but be careful about too much television. Sleeping is an important part of recuperation, and that may be difficult if the television is on all day.

  --Have your child drink clear liquids and eat healthy foods. Juice and water are good options as are drinks with electrolytes, which help keep you hydrated. Your toddler might not feel up to eating his or her favorite meals, and that is OK as long as they are drinking liquids. Clear broth might be a good start until he begins to feel better.

  --Frequent washing of hands. That goes for the patient and the caregiver. You can't wash hands enough, especially with toddlers. Blowing noses, wiping faces, coughing and sneezing all have germs that have to land somewhere. Antibacterial wipes are great to have on hand, but nothing beats warm water and soap.

  Children should never be given aspirin when they have a high fever as it could lead to a serious condition called Reye's syndrome. Before you give your child any over-the-counter remedies, consult your pediatrician first.

How To Stay Healthy

• Despite your best efforts, you and your family may come down with the influenza or, at the very least, the common cold. Still, being vigilant with a few simple steps may help prevent a more severe outbreak of these seasonal ailments. Teach your toddler (and your family) to do the following:

  --Wash, wash, wash. You've heard it before. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, shopping at the grocery store, playing at the playground, before meals, after meals, etc. So many germs live on the tips of our fingertips and are so easily spread to each other. This is the first line of defense.

  --If you are not feeling well, stay home. Keep your children--and yourself--home from school, day care, play dates and work. Be sure to be symptom-free for at least 24 to 48 hours before returning to a normal routine.

  --Make sure your children and family are getting the necessary nutrients and vitamins they need to stay healthy.

  --Be sure to keep those bedtimes on schedule. Children, like adults, need to give their bodies an adequate amount of rest in order to keep their immune systems strong.

  -- Vaccinate. The seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine help to prevent the spread of influenza and may help to keep you and your family from getting the flu or coming down with a severe case.