Children:  The Flu's Favorite Target

Did you know that children are 1.5 times to 3 times more likely than adults to get the flu? Research shows that children age 6 to 10 have the highest flu infection rates. This high infection rate is thought to occur because, compared with adults, children have had less lifetime exposure to influenza and therefore do not have as much natural immunity built up. Add to this close contact with each other in school, which increases children’s risk of getting and spreading the virus. Luckily, there are flu treatments that can shorten the duration of the flu — or help them avoid it altogether. Be on the lookout for flu symptoms so you can act fast:

• Rapid onset of high fever
  
• Dry cough
  
• Chills
  
• Muscle aches
  
• Headaches
• Younger children have a greater tendency for high fevers and stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

School children tend to catch the flu early in the season and are infectious longer than adults. Research shows that the occurrence of flu in families with school children is double that of families without children in school or daycare.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about treatment options and next steps to take when you first notice your child’s flu symptoms.