Cold And Flu
Every year a new round of viruses hits, and babies, with their untested immune systems, are prime targets. But there are plenty of strategies to help the baby avoid colds and the flu – and many ways to make her more comfortable and happy when she's sick.
Just as adults catch colds and sometimes get hit with the flu, infants can contact these viruses, too. Colds and flu are both considered upper respiratory infections (URIs) involving infection of the ears, nose, throat or sinuses.
Cold or Flu?
Both colds and flu are caused by viruses, and can have similar symptoms. But the flu lasts longer and can be more serious for infants, so it's important to recognize the difference.
Colds tend to come on gradually. Like the adults, the baby’s cold also progress gradually. Baby’s cold can start out with irritability and progress to a gunky nose, congestion, and sometimes, a cough.
In contrast to cold, flu hits suddenly. It usually begins with a high fever, quickly followed by a cough, sore throat, bad headache and body aches. The flu lasts longer and the baby looks and acts sicker than when he has a cold.
Colds are the most common and are not usually dangerous for babies, but the flu can cause serious complications in infants, so preventive steps should be taken to protect the baby’s health.
The flu vaccine is one of the most important lines of defense and reduces the chance of getting the flu by up to 80%. All children 6 months and older should get immunized as per the immunization schedule. However, the flu shot isn't recommended for babies under 6 months old. All the hygienic condition should be followed to protect the little one from the getting the flu infection. The little one should be avoided from crowd and other sick people especially during the winter months, in order to prevent the infection.
