Infant Flu
Infant Flu Symptoms Can Be Hard To Detect
Infant flu is, thankfully, not very common, especially in those infants who were breast fed for six weeks or more. When infant flu does occur, it can mock many other respiratory illnesses, and even not show up as a respiratory problem at all. When caring for an infant, it is important to be alert to any changes which occur in his or her sleeping patterns, eating habits, and overall demeanor. Increased crankiness or restlessness can be a sure sign of trouble approaching, but so can lethargy and increased sleep. Decreased appetite is also an indication of illness and should be taken as a cue for a visit to the doctor. Fever can occur with infant flu, but it can also happen as a symptom of many other ailments. It should always be followed up on, however, and never let go for too long.
Infant flu is not fatal, at least not for otherwise healthy babies with normal immune system functions and no other illnesses. Unlike the effects of the flu in older children and adults, the side effects of influenza in tiny babies often fall unnoticed for quite some time. Symptoms often include all of the above warning signs, including lethargy, increased crankiness, and decreased appetite. If your little one should experience a fever, you will need to be sure that a doctors appointment is made as soon as possible. Infant flu with fever can easily damage the delicate brain tissues if left unchecked for a long period of time.
There are other types of infant flu, though stomach issues aren’t usually classified as influenza at all. Even the tiniest amounts of bacteria ingested into the stomach and intestines can wreak havoc on your baby’s digestive tract. Vomiting and diarrhea in infants and young children are conditions which can quickly dehydrate and weaken them, so treating such symptoms right away is strongly recommended.
Treating the symptoms of infant flu with home remedies is a time honored and completely encouraged way of fighting off the detrimental effects. Sitting with your baby in a steamed room can do wonders for achy chests and breathing problems. Do this by running the shower hot and sealing the door tightly. Ten minutes to an hour will be fine when administering this treatment. Carefully applying warm clothes to your baby’s sinus areas may quell some of the discomfort felt here, just be sure that they are not too hot for their vulnerable, sensitive skin. As with anyone who is suffering illness, an infant needs to be well hydrated during infant flu. You should not feed your baby water through his bottle, however, as this can cause a dangerous condition. Encourage him to eat as much of his formula or breast milk as you can, even if he can’t keep it down very well. Be sure not to lay him fat on his belly or his back when he is ill.