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