Believe it or not, an innocent sneeze by a child at the playground is enough to spread the sneaky germs carrying swine flu to your child. And, this can happen to anyone’s child, so it is always better to be prepared as a parent, especially during the flu season. Swine flu is known to cause normal flu-like symptoms, which is why swine flu often goes unnoticed. However, there are plenty of effective ways, which you can use to avoid or deal with swine flu. So, let’s first start by knowing what swine flu is.
What Is Swine Flu?
Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is found in pigs. This strain of swine flu can’t be directly passed from animals to humans, and it is only transferred from one human to another. The flu usually lasts from 3-7 days in minor cases, but, in serious cases, it can last up to 9 to 10 days. One of the most effective ways to keep this disease at bay is by getting a flu shot or vaccine on a yearly basis.
What Are The Indicators Of Swine Flu?
It is highly important to know the various symptoms swine flu can exhibit to help avoid this infection from progressing.
Symptoms of swine flu:
- Feeling cold quite often
- Coughing frequently
- High fever
- Headaches
- A sore throat
- Fatigue
In some cases, swine flu may even cause nausea and diarrhoea. If your child is still experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is best to consult a doctor right away.
What Are The Treatments For Children With Swine Flu?
Swine Flu vaccine: The H1N1 flu shot can be taken annually to avoid the flu. Any baby who is 6 months and older are allowed to be vaccinated. Immunisation plays an important part in every child’s life, so ensure your child has received all the vaccinations which can help prevent any unnecessary health concerns.
Antiviral medication: This treatment has usually opted in much more serious stages of swine flu.
How To Avoid The Swine Flu?
Coming in contact with sick colleagues are some of the most common ways of catching swine flu. But by avoiding a few things you can prevent putting your little one and yourself through the unnecessary trouble.
This is how you can avoid swine flu:
Pay attention to your child’s symptoms. High fever, cough, runny nose and cold are a few swine flu symptoms to look out for. If the fever is above 100°F, then the child or adult should be taken to the hospital right away. This is not technically a prevention but if you seek quick medical attention, you will be able to better manage the flu.
Avoid coming in contact with infected pigs. If you like to visit farms quite often, then you should definitely consider postponing it, especially during swine flu season. Pigs are known to be the main carriers of this deadly infection, and it can usually spread from their saliva and mucus is passed among pigs. This can easily infect children and adults by breathing in viral particles.
Don’t touch any unhygienic surface. Touching dirty surfaces which could be infected by the virus, and then mistakenly touching your face, mouth or nose without even washing your hands, can also spread the swine flu virus. Therefore, it is best to avoid touching or being in unhygienic places. You can also carry a hand sanitizer, wipes or soap, to keep your hands clean and germ-free.
Avoid crowded places during flu season. Believe it or not, being among large groups of people during flu season is definitely a deadly combination. So, it is best to avoid crowded places like the mall, movie theatres, and playgrounds just to name a few.
It is better to be safe than to be sorry, you can definitely use these preventive methods to keep your kid healthy and happy. If any of the flu-like symptoms are still persistent, then feel free to book an appointment online, or walk into our hospital. Our pediatric experts at Sai Siva Children’s Hospital are always here to guide you every step of the way.
About the Hospital:
About the Hospital: Sai Siva Children’s Hospital, Chanda Nagar, is a full-fledged medical facility specially designed for pediatric patients as well as young adults. The hospital was started in the year 2008, with the aim of reaching out to schools and villages to educate the middle and high school students about health & hygiene. Sai Siva Children’s Hospital is one of the most sought-after children’s hospitals in Hyderabad with a team of experienced doctors and skilled staff who aim to help your child have healthy growth and development. We believe that children today are the future of our world, and must have good health to make the world a better place to live in.