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As of the first of February, 78 flu-associated pediatric deaths had been reported this season. Of those deaths, 52 tested positive for influenza B, and 26 were confirmed as influenza A, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Children younger than 5 years old, especially those age 2and younger, and children with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of hospitalization and complications attributable to pediatric flu.
In the last flu season, 51 percent of deaths occurred in children who had at least one underlying medical condition. Current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates 46.5% had at least one underlying medical condition. Of those conditions, asthma was the most frequently reported.
The impact of pediatric flu
Children age 5 and younger, especially those under age 2, are at the highest the risk of for complications related to the flu, according to CDC. For children in that age range, the flu can lead to other dangerous medical complications. Among them are pneumonia and lung infection. Dehydration may also occur when fluid intake isn’t maintained in proper proportion. This results in a loss of salt and fluids for the body. Medical problems such as heart disease, as well as asthma, can also be exacerbated. The flu may also contribute to encephalopathy, a condition described as brain disfunction caused by a disease. Sinus issues and ear infections may also appear.
How flu spreads among children
The flu virus can be spread when two or more children are together and one may already be infected. One reason for this is that toddlers, especially, touch other children or handle toys after other children may have touched them after wiping the nose. The flu can be spread by direct contact between people or by touching an object that may have the active virus on its surface. When a child picks up such a toy, then rubs the eyes or nose, the virus can be transmitted.
Symptoms of flu in children
Unlike the signs of a cold that may appear gradually, flu symptoms usually make themselves known much faster. There are some pronounced symptoms that signal that a child has the flu that may differ from adult symptoms. Among them are abnormal breathing that can result in breathing difficulty or very rapid breathing. In addition, breathing that causes the ribs to pull in with each breath is a sign of flu.
Severe muscle pain that may even result in the child refusing to walk is another sign, as is dehydration. Dehydration may be detected if a child does not urinate for eight hours, produces no tears when crying or experiences dryness in the mouth.
Chest pain, a bluish tint to the lips or face and a fever above 104 degrees are also symptoms. If a fever or cough seems to improve but then returns, that could be a flu symptom. In children under 12 weeks of age, any fever should be looked at as a potential flu symptom.
If a child is awake but not alert, or shows lack of usual interaction when awake, that could signal the flu.
Preventative measures
Flu vaccines have been strongly recommended by AAP and CDC for anyone age 6 months and above. There are two types of vaccines. The injectable influenza vaccine (IIV) is recommended for ages 6 months and above. A nasal-spray method, the live inactivated influenza vaccine (LAIV), can be given between the ages of 2 and 49. Caution should be observed for those with certain medical conditions with LAIV and a physician should be notified of any condition before a vaccine is prescribed.
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