The classical features of uncomplicated flu in children include abrupt onset of fever, headache, muscle pain and malaise affected by manifestations of respiratory tract illness – sore throat, cough and nasal discharge.
All the above features may not be present in children.
Flu sometimes may last for more than a week in children.
Ear discharge, development into asthma and pneumonia are common complications in children.
Complicated pneumonia may be severe and rapidly fatal, especially if the bacterium is Staph.
During winter, a diagnosis of flu should be considered in all children with fever; children with fever and acute onset of respiratory illness; children with fever and exhilaration of underlying chest condition; children with pneumonia and children with fever of more than 100, with severe cough or sore throat.
Fever is present in over 95% of cases, often more than 39°C.
Cough is present in over 77% patients.
Nasal discharge is present in more than 78% patients.
Headache is present in more than 26% patients.
Muscle pain is present in more than 71 % patients.
Incubation period is 1–4 days with high transmissibility.
The treatment is often symptomatic.
Cough hygiene should be practiced.
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