According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , influenza A viruses are often linked to more severe illnesses in some groups of people, including children. Kathryn Kaufman, MD , UnityPoint Health, helps identify influenza type A symptoms in children, ways to treat the symptoms and how long it can take to kick the virus.
Kaufman says there are two main keys for identifying any type of the flu in children. First is the sudden onset of symptoms. Kaufman says. The second main identifier of the flu is a temperature. There are still perks to getting the vaccine though. A recent study also showed the live influenza virus can be in small drops in the air, simply from an infected person exhaling. Kaufman says to try to keep kids away from those who are ill. However, if you know your child has been exposed to the virus, she offers this advice.
Kaufman says kids are contagious days before showing any symptoms and up to two weeks after symptoms begin. A fever is defined as Kaufman says most often providers will test for the flu by swabbing the inside of the nostrils. The rapid influenza test takes about 15 minutes for results. Providers can prescribe antivirals, like Tamiflu, for influenza type A or any influenza strain in circulation. If you have trouble getting young children to take the medication, here are some tips and tricks:.
If you identify any of the following flu symptoms, consider a trip to the emergency room. Influenza Type A Symptoms in Children. Kaufman says influenza type A can last up to 10 to 14 days. Is Influenza Type A Contagious? The short answer is yes, but Dr. How Do Doctors Test for the Flu? How to Treat Influenza A at Home? Additional at-home remedies from Dr. If you have trouble getting young children to take the medication, here are some tips and tricks: Tip 1.
For children who are eating solids, caregivers can try mixing it with a small amount of chocolate syrup or applesauce. Tip 2. This causes the child to swallow the medicine in order to take a breath. Tip 3. If they're older than two, you may try having them suck on a cherry popsicle, to numb their taste buds, then squirt the medicine in their mouth. Related Content.
