Did you know that there have been over 7000 confirmed lab cases of the flu in Maricopa County? Yes, flu season is officially here and it’s bad this year so here is some information and steps you can take to prevent, treat, and deal with the flu this year.
Symptoms Children who get the flu will have a fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, dry cough, vomiting, tiredness, and loss of appetite. If your child is exhibiting any signs of the flu, it is important that you keep them home from school and away from other family members until you are sure they are no longer contagious.
Treatment To help control fever use cold compresses, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Keep their nose clean with saline drops, bulb suction, and humidifiers. Encourage them to stay hydrated by offering them fluids and clear liquids. Make sure they get plenty of rest and TLC.
Prevention Make sure you get the flu shot – it’s not too late! Wash your hands often, especially before eating or after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. In addition to good hand washing technique, you will also want to make sure you teach your child to cover their mouth with their elbows instead of their hands. This will reduce their interaction with germs and keep them from spreading germs. And remember, if your child has a fever, please don’t send them to school or daycare – keep them home!
When to Seek Medical Treatment If your child starts having difficulty breathing, appears listless, dehydrated, has a fever that will not reduce with medication, or if your child has other issues such as asthma or diabetes it is imperative to see your pediatrician right away! The flu, especially this year, is nothing to play around with. Make sure you keep you and your family safe, healthy, and happy.
Mesa Pediatric Urgent Care and Gilbert Pediatric Urgent Care
AllKids Urgent Care is Arizona’s best kids-only urgent care and we believe that all kids deserve the best! We are here for you, your children, and your family when you need us – both our Gilbert Pediatric Urgent Care and our Mesa Pediatric Urgent Care are open every day, from noon to 10 pm. No appointment is necessary, just stop in and start your child on the road back to health. And remember, we are now offering the flu shot daily at both our Gilbert and Mesa locations!
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