{"id":22394,"date":"2023-09-15T13:41:20","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T17:41:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kixcare.com\/?p=22394"},"modified":"2023-09-15T13:42:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-15T17:42:41","slug":"a-parents-guide-to-surviving-the-seasonal-germ-pit-influenza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kixcare.com\/en\/a-parents-guide-to-surviving-the-seasonal-germ-pit-influenza\/","title":{"rendered":"A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Seasonal Germ Pit: Influenza"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Written by: Lindsay Peltsch<\/a>, RN, BScN<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As parents, the health and well-being of our children are our greatest concern. During winter months, infections like influenza, covid, RSV<\/a> (respiratory syncytial virus), and croup circulate widely among children. For parents, it can seem like a revolving door of fevers<\/a> and sick days. Understanding what influenza is, its symptoms, how to care for a child that is sick with it. As well as how to keep the rest of your family healthy while doing so is an important part of feeling confident when managing your child\u2019s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about influenza and how to care for your child at home.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Influenza?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection. It can affect individuals of all ages, but children are particularly vulnerable. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness<\/strong> caused by the influenza virus. There are three main strains of the virus Influenza A, B and C. However Influenza A and B are the most common. All subtypes (think H1N1, H3N2) fall under one of these strains.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How does Influenza spread?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It spreads through respiratory droplets<\/strong>. An infected child can spread the virus when they cough, sneeze, talk, or even through breathing close by. Most of the time the incubation period (the time between when a person is exposed to the virus and actually starts to feel sick) is about 1-4 days. With the average being two days. What’s more, if an infected child’s respiratory droplets<\/a> land on a surface, the virus will live on that for up to 48 hrs, just waiting for you or your child to come along and touch it, and then inadvertently transfer the virus into your mouth or nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Does Influenza Survive on Surfaces PARENTS use most?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Non-Porous Surfaces \u219224 – 48 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think plastic toys, cups, counters, light switches, door handles, faucets, walls, bus poles, cabinets\u2026the list goes on.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Non-Porous Surfaces \u219224 – 48 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think USED tissues (we all know the pain of being handed a wet snotty tissue), clothes, bedding (pillowcase change anyone?), couches, and winter mittens!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why are children at higher risk?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children are more susceptible to getting the flu due to their close interactions in schools and daycare settings. We all know children are not great at keeping their hands OFF surfaces, and OUT of their mouth\/nose. This makes it all the easier to both spread and catch the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to their still developing immune systems, once a child has the virus, they are at higher risk for complications from influenza that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Complications<\/a> include sinus\/ear infections, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, croup, and rarely infection in the brain or heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also some groups who are at even higher risk of complications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n