The German Society for Children and Adolescent Physicians reports that influenza, caused by influenza viruses, is a serious illness, unlike the common cold, which is often harmless. The society explains that the symptoms of influenza in children include: high fever (over 38.5 degrees Celsius), muscle, head, and body aches, dry and irritating cough, fatigue and exhaustion, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Usually, a few days of bed rest is enough for children without chronic diseases to recover from influenza. Therefore, if parents are vaccinated, they can reduce the risk of their children getting infected. Parents should also follow hygiene rules at home during the illness to prevent the infection from spreading to other family members. These rules include: regular handwashing with soap and water, sneezing or coughing into the crook of the elbow or a paper tissue, disposing of used tissues immediately, regular room ventilation, and wearing a medical mask. The Standing Vaccination Committee recommends an annual influenza vaccination for all children from six months of age and older who have a higher risk of severe influenza due to a chronic health condition such as chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, as well as diabetes or other metabolic disorders. However, if bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia, develop as a result of influenza, antibiotics can be used. Influenza viruses are highly contagious; therefore, vaccination provides the most effective protection against influenza. Parents can give their children pain relievers and fever reducers as needed to improve their general health, but it is preferable to consult a pediatrician beforehand. It is important for the child to drink plenty of fluids. Antibiotics are ineffective against influenza because it is a viral disease.
