Children and the Flu

Caused by three main influenza viruses, A, B, or C, the flu is a respiratory infection that typically lasts for a week to 10 days. Seasonal flu outbreaks, involving either influenza virus A or B, happen between November and April.

Although this exceedingly common illness can be severe in a very small percentage of children under the age of five, only about 1 percent of children are sick enough to require hospitalization.

How is the flu different from a cold?

The flu may be differentiated from the common cold by the rapid onset of more severe symptoms.

The flu generally involves the following symptoms:

·         a rapid onset of headache, chills, and cough

·         fever, appetite loss, muscle aches, and tiredness

·         sometimes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

·         fever lasting 3 or 4 days

·         resolution in 7 to 10 days

·         incubation of 48 to 72 hours, but can be infectious for up to a week after onset

The common cold involves the respiratory system and includes these symptoms:

·         runny nose

·         watery eyes

·         sore throat

How can influenza be prevented?

Influenza viruses are spread through droplets in the air, which may then come into contact with the nose or mouths of others nearby. If droplets get on the hands, then the virus may be transmitted through hand contact or through contaminated objects or surfaces, such as toys or doorknobs.

Because influenza viruses can survive for up to 48 hours on surfaces, frequent hand washing is the most important strategy to prevent spread of the flu. Other important strategies include staying home when sick, teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting objects or surfaces that may be infected.

Can natural health products help in prevention?

According to Philip Rouchotas, ND, the appropriate use of natural health products to support immunity and fight acute infections can reduce complications from secondary infections and the need for antibiotics.

Probiotics

Surprisingly, probiotics have been shown to reduce incidence of respiratory infection including flu. A Japanese pilot study found that a formulation of a particular Lactobacillus probiotic-containing drink taken over an eight-week period effectively reduced incidence of the flu in children receiving the probiotics.

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea has immune-stimulating effects, increasing T-cell antiviral activity, cytokine production, and phagocytic activity. A 2021 randomized trial in children aged 4 to 12 years found that preventive use of echinacea for two months significantly reduced respiratory tract infections as well as flu, compared to controls. There was also a significant decrease in the number of antibiotic prescriptions among children taking echinacea.

Vitamin D

A 2019 meta-analysis that included 25 clinical trials with over 11,000 participants found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significantly decreased risk of developing an acute respiratory infection in those who were deficient. A small 2022 study of children aged 2 to 5 years found that short-term supplementation with vitamin D daily may have a preventive effect against influenza infection.

Medicinal mushrooms

Mushrooms such as turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor), shiitake (Lentinus edodes), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and chaga (Inonotus obliquus) contain immune-modulatory compounds called polysaccharides that have the ability to bind and stimulate immune cells. These have been found, in vitro, to have antiviral activity against the influenza virus.

How do you treat the flu?

For children who exhibit mild flu symptoms, supportive treatments are best. This includes keeping the child hydrated with juice, soup, tea, or other liquids and offering small, nutrient-dense meals.

If your child has a fever, dress them in light clothing, keep their room comfortable (not too hot or too cool), and consider keeping a cool-mist humidifier turned on. You may also consider giving them a tepid bath.

Honey lozenges may be used in children over 3 years where there is no risk of choking, and older children may use saltwater gargles.

Over-the-counter cold medicines should not be given to children under 6 years without a prescription; however, this does not include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. ⁵ Aspirin should never be given to children or teens due to its associated risk of Reye syndrome. 

Treating with natural health products

To alleviate symptoms and limit the course of disease, consider using echinacea (if not using it preventively), elderberry, or vitamin D. The dosages of these will depend on the age of your child.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects in vitro and in vivo. A 2019 meta-analysis found that use of elderberry extract was associated with a reduction in upper respiratory symptoms from cold or flu. The authors concluded that the effect size was large and persisted after controlling for vaccination status.

Echinacea, taken at the first signs of acute respiratory infection, has been associated, in clinical studies, with shorter time to remission and more rapid viral clearance.

A naturopathic doctor can customize a protocol for your child in case of cold or flu that can be given at the first signs of illness.

Flu stats for kids in Canada

It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of children in Canada experience the flu in a given year.¹ Of these, in 2022-2023, approximately 2,400 children aged 0 to 4 (or less than one percent) were hospitalized.²

Kid-friendly supplements for immune support

Consult a licensed naturopathic doctor to find out what protocol might be best for you and your children.

When to seek medical care

According to the Canadian Pediatric Society,  you should seek medical attention for your child if he or she is experiencing the following:

·         suffering from lung or heart disease or a serious underlying condition affecting their immune system

·         breathing rapidly or working hard to breathe

·         having chest pain, or is coughing up bloody phlegm or saliva

·         coughing so badly they are choking or vomiting

·         drinking very little fluid and have not urinated at least every 6 hours when awake

·         vomiting for more than 4 hours, or has severe diarrhea

·         much sleepier than usual, doesn’t want to eat or play, or is very fussy and can’t be comforted

·         not feeling better after 5 days and still has a fever, or was feeling better and suddenly develops a new fever

This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue of alive magazine.