COLD & FLU CHART

Armed with knowledge you can formulate your attack this winter, says paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair

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 such as 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 like asthma, diabetes, or a neurologic problem, or was not able to be vaccinated for some reason, call your doctor right away. These children are at higher risk of serious complications from flu. Likewise, if your baby is younger than six months and has a high temperature which does not settle with simple flu-fighting strategies, seek medical attention. Additional warning signs that warrant a visit to the doctor: ✓ Fast breathing or trouble breathing. ✓ Lethargy, not waking up or not interacting with you. ✓ Bluish skin colour. ✓ A temperature of 40°C or higher or fever with a rash. ✓ Not drinking enough fluids and making fewer 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. ✓ A suspected earache (she may pull on her ear and fuss.) ✓ Cold symptoms for longer than a week or a cough that does not go away within three days. ✓ Forceful vomiting after feedings or for more than 12 hours, also has diarrhoea and a fever. ✓ Yellow or green nasal mucus. YB