Influenza is an acute respiratory illness characterized by congestion, sore throat, reddened eyes, dry cough, fever, chills, and achiness.

This condition causes doctors’ offices to be packed during the winter months and accounts for many school absences. Fortunately, the flu vaccine offers good protection against the common strains of flu each year and has little side effects. For those who are unlucky enough to contract the flu, there are now new medicines that can shorten the course of this illness, if started early.

1. What causes this condition, and how did my child contract it?
Flu (influenza) is caused by one of the influenza viruses. Influenza is usually acquired from another person directly or indirectly.

2. What is its normal expected course?
The initial symptoms of influenza typically include fever, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, headache, and, sometimes, muscle pain. Later, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough appear. Uncomplicated disease usually resolves without specific therapy within approximately seven days, but cough and malaise may linger.

3. Is it contagious, and how is it spread?
Influenza is highly contagious and is spread from person to person by droplets generated by coughing or sneezing or via direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

4. How long is the condition contagious, and when can my child resume activities?

The contagious period can vary significantly. In general, however, a child is considered contagious from twenty-four hours before the onset of symptoms until seven days after the symptoms begin. A child may resume activities as able.

5. What tests need to be done to more fully establish the diagnosis?
During seasonal epidemics, a diagnosis of influenza is often based on a child’s symptoms and signs. Viral testing on secretions taken with a swab from the back of the nose can confirm the diagnosis.

6. Is there any treatment that can be done to shorten the course of the disease or make it less severe?
Several antiviral medications are available for the treatment of influenza. In general, treatment shortens the duration of illness to by one to two days, but only if started soon after symptoms begin.

7. Are there any potential side effects from the proposed treatment?
As with any medication, the drugs effective against influenza can have adverse effects. Depending on the particular agent, the most common side effects may include nausea and vomiting; nervousness, anxiety, or lightheadedness; and cough or breathing difficulties.

8. What symptoms or signs should I look for in my child that would necessitate my calling you back?
Reasons to call back include prolonged or recurrent fever, severe muscle pain, breathing difficulty, confusion or difficulty awakening your child, or any other symptoms of concern.

9. When do you wish to see my child again regarding this condition?
Typically, no specific follow-up is necessary.

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