As flu season rolls in, parents need trustworthy guidance for treating their children’s symptoms. Dr Sarah McNab, a paediatrician and director of general medicine at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, makes an important point. She encourages all humans to pay attention to when you need to get professional medical help. With her colleague, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Danielle McMullen, she provides commonsense advice to relieve flu symptoms in children.
Both doctors stress that while many viral illnesses are self-limiting, parents should stay vigilant. Keeping their children comfortable and hydrated is crucial, as well as being aware of warning signs that could necessitate a doctor’s visit.
In the face of rising flu cases, these experts stand ready to guide parents through the challenges of managing their child’s health.
Key Recommendations for Parents
Dr. McMullen emphasizes four key tactics for treating flu symptoms that are clinically proven to help patients stay in control. Above everything else, she advises making sure kids receive enough sleep. “It’s rest and love and nurturing that is really all that will get them through it,” she states. In addition to rest, staying hydrated is key to preventing dehydration.
“The good news is that icy poles count as fluids, so if you can’t get them to be drinking water or watered down juice, then those icy blocks are a good way to keep their fluids up.” – Dr. Danielle McMullen
In addition to rest and hydration, Dr. McMullen advises parents to consider using over-the-counter medications. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help alleviate symptoms, allowing children to sleep better and maintain their fluid intake.
When to Seek Medical Help
You can take care of most flu symptoms yourself. Dr. McNab and Dr. McMullen would like to see more awareness about when to seek medical help. Dr. McMullen recommends consulting a doctor if a child has had a fever for more than five days or if an infant under three months old experiences a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or above.
“If your child has had a fever for more than five days, we always want to check in. Or if your child is less than three months old and has any fever — 38 degrees and above — we recommend actually taking them either urgently to the GP or to the emergency department.” – Dr. Danielle McMullen
If a child seems excessively sleepy or fussy, parents should feel free to call for guidance without delay. Dr. McMullen wants parents to feel confidence that they are the expert on their child and to always trust their gut.
“The first thing is that there’s no such thing as overreacting. As a parent you know your child best.” – Dr. Danielle McMullen
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
In addition to describing the warning signs of a concussion, Dr. McNab highlights symptoms that require urgent medical attention. If a child is looking particularly “pale and mottled,” it is extremely important to go for assistance immediately. Parents need to be on the lookout for red flags that their child is not sick enough to be soothed or pacified.
“If they’re either more sleepy than you would expect and you’re really having difficulty rousing them or … if your child is so unwell and irritable that you really can’t calm them down and you’re worried about how they’re behaving, then get some medical advice.” – Dr. Danielle McMullen
Dr. McNab strongly emphasizes the role of parental vigilance in these cases. “Ultimately, I very much trust families. If you’re worried, it’s good to seek medical help,” she states.
