Influenza B in Children
There are various types of flu that children are susceptible to, but the three most common are influenzas A, B and C. Influenza B is extremely contagious and is accompanied by various symptoms that can make a child feel very ill. Influenza B normally has a very abrupt beginning and can last for up to seven days. Children who are at highest risk for having serious complications from influenza B are those between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. Children in this age range should be carefully monitored for worsening symptoms and other complications.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of influenza B include nausea, muscle aches, sweating, loss of appetite, vomiting, chills, dizziness, headache and fatigue. These symptoms are normally experienced all at once and the whole body is placed under stress, with the throat, nose and lungs being the worst infected. The flu's most characteristic symptom is the presence of a high fever. Influenza B provokes a fever in the 102-106 degree range.
Considerations
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Because influenza B is contagious, many children who catch it do so in a school setting. When a child is infected with influenza B, the actual symptoms will not appear until up to a week later. This often leaves an individual without a firm confirmation of where the flu was actually contracted. An infected child should make sure they cover their mouths and nose when sneezing and coughing to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
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Reye's Syndrome
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One risk in particular for children who are recovering from influenza B is Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a deadly disease that affects every organ in the body, damaging the brain severely and causing mental and physical health problems. Reye's syndrome develops in very few children, but can affect a child who has taken aspirin to relieve symptoms. The former secretary of Health and Human Services, Richard Schweiker, warned the public in 1982 that children and teenagers with flu symptoms should not take aspirin under any circumstances. The warning was reissued by former Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Otis R. Bowen in 1986.
Flu Vaccinations
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There are opposing views on whether or not children should receive a flu vaccination. Children who are younger than 5 years old should not be vaccinated against the flu, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, the Centers for Disease Control hold a different view. They believe that children over the age of 6 months should receive a flu vaccination. A child's vaccination is the decision of the parent and should be carefully considered.
Hospitalization
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A child who is diagnosed with influenza B doesn't necessarily need to be taken to the hospital; however, if symptoms continue to worsen or the illness develops a secondary infection, then hospitalization may be required to prevent pneumonia. Parents can care for their child at home by giving them plenty of fluids, rest and medications that can be used to alleviate flu symptoms. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration advised parents that children under the age of 2 should not be given over-the-counter medications. A child under 2 with flu symptoms should be treated by a medical doctor. Some brands that parents can give older children include Vick's, Robitussin, Sudafed and Tylenol.
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