COLDS AND FLU

With some guidelines and expert tips, we are taking the guesswork out of cold and flu season

It’s a fact: the average child gets a cold or flu six to eight times a year. So, since it is almost impossible to avoid colds and flu altogether, you need a plan to fight winter coughs, sniffles and sneezes when they happen.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

“The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs by influenza viruses, which are most infectious from around May to September in South Africa,” explains Dr Liezl Zulke, a paediatric cardiologist.

WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

The flu can be very dangerous for children. Each year thousands of children under five are hospitalised with flu complications, like pneumonia, which is why parents should know the warning signs before things have gone too far. “If your child is under five or has a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or a neurologic problem, call your doctor right away. These children are at higher risk of serious complications from flu,” explains Dr Zulke. Likewise, if your baby is younger than six months and has a high temperature that does not settle with simple flu-fighting strategies, seek medical attention. Here are additional warning signs that warrant a visit to the doctor: ✓ Fast breathing or she has trouble breathing. ✓ Bluish skin colour. ✓ Lethargy, not waking up or not interacting with you. ✓ A temperature of 40°C or higher or fever with a rash. ✓ Not drinking enough fluids and making fewer soiled or wet nappies than usual. ✓ Unable to keep fluids down. ✓ Being so irritable that she does not want to be held. ✓ Flu symptoms that improve but return with fever and a worse cough. ✓ When baby has a suspected earache (she may pull on her ear and fuss). ✓ Cold symptoms that last for longer than a week or a cough that doesn’t go away within three days. ✓ Your baby or child has yellow or green nasal mucus. ✓ Forceful vomiting after feedings or for more than 12 hours, also has diarrhoea and a fever.