| The flu can be a dangerous illness, especially for | | | | rimantidine, and amantadine. All three are prescription |
| children. Because of smaller body size, and developing | | | | drugs and thus require the recommendation of a |
| systems, children are at an increased risk with | | | | doctor before they can be consumed. Another drug, |
| regards to all the symptoms of the flu. Adults usually | | | | zanamivir, has been approved in the United States |
| don't get the stomach-related symptoms that | | | | for use in the treatment of the flu. |
| deprive a child of nutrients when they need them | | | | Giving medications to children should be done with a |
| most. | | | | great deal of thought, and consult with a pediatrician. |
| Treating the Flu Conventionally | | | | Many stores offer over the counter remedies. There |
| If your children contract the flu, it is vital for them to | | | | are special children's formulas of over the counter flu |
| get plenty of rest. Don't allow them to engage in | | | | medicines available that may be of some help to your |
| strenuous exercise or play. Even if they do not feel | | | | child. These can help treat the aches, fatigue, coughs, |
| fatigued for the first few days, be firm. The body | | | | and respiratory problems associated with the flu. |
| must be in a state of rest if it is to cope with the | | | | Unfortunately, these medicines do nothing against the |
| sickness brought by the virus. | | | | root of the problem, which is the reproduction and |
| Don't forget to give your children plenty of fluids. | | | | subsequent spreading of the virus itself. |
| Water is especially helpful, as are isotonic sport drinks. | | | | When it comes to children, it is best not to |
| Because children with the flu can also get diarrhea, | | | | experiment with "alternative" flu treatments that may |
| replacing lost salts and water soluble vitamins is crucial | | | | have worked for you or another family member. |
| to their recovery. If your children use alcohol or | | | | Many of these treatments have not been tested, let |
| tobacco, you will need to see to it that they stop. | | | | alone approved by a regulatory agency. Thus their |
| Both these substances cause damage to the immune | | | | true reliability and efficacy is unproven; as is the |
| system, thereby making the entire flu experience | | | | ability to predict long term consequences to a |
| worse. | | | | developing body. In addition, the doses commonly |
| Children and teenagers should also avoid taking aspirin | | | | available are not made with children in mind. While |
| when they have the flu, even if there is a fever. | | | | over the counter medicines and prescription drugs |
| Taking aspirin during the flu can lead to Reye | | | | have many side effects, that information is well |
| Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal liver ailment. | | | | known by the doctors that recommend them. |
| Also, while not generally known, fevers can assist the | | | | Perhaps one day robust clinical trials will be performed |
| body in fighting off infection, influenza included. | | | | on homeopathic remedies, and they will be found |
| The Use of Medication | | | | safe and useful for children. Until then, it is best to go |
| There are three antiviral drugs approved for the | | | | with what is known by licensed medical practitioners. |
| purpose of preventing the flu. These are oseltavimir, | | | | |