I am a 233 days / 7 months 3 weeks & 2 days old baby
The flu is caused by a specific bug: the influenza virus. Children under 2 years old who become infected are more likely to wind up in the hospital with a bout of the flu than older children, and the flu can be especially dangerous to young babies.
It's not always easy whether your baby has the flu. A baby with the flu may simply be lethargic and not eat as well as usual. Or he may have symptoms remarkably similar to those of a cold or other viral illness.[1]
Symptoms
* Suddenly develops a high fever (above 101° F)
* Has chills
* Has muscle aches
* Is very tired
* Has a headache
* Has a dry cough (Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold products to infants and young chiildren. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, these medications can have serious and life-threatening side effects.)
* Has a runny nose[2]
Preventive Measures
Flu shots
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all healthy people – children and adults – get an annual flu vaccination starting at age 6 months. Even if your baby is too young for a flu shot, those in close contact with him can limit his chances of exposure by getting vaccinated.
Hygiene and more
You can help keep your baby healthy by practicing good hygiene: Wash his hands with soap and warm water, and have everyone in the family wash their hands often, too, to prevent spreading germs at home.
Treatments
Like most viruses, there isn't a medicine that provides a cure. The best flu treatment is supportive. For muscle aches and fever, give your child a pain reliever such as children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Good, old-fashioned bed rest is also recommended (though who feels like getting out of bed anyway?). Also fluids are extremely important, especially for small children who dehydrate quickly. During the worst of the illness, getting fluids into a child is more important than pushing food. Try frozen fruit bars as a way of encouraging him to get extra liquids along with soup or broth, which may ease congestion as well.[3]
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Notes:
[1] Babycenter.com
[2] marchofdimes.com
[3] babyzone.com
