Mums, make sure you stock up on 7Up and have
the cosy blankets at the ready because flu season is set to peak this week.
Youths are one of the high-risk groups, so make sure you keep a close eye on them.
Dr Keller of the HSE commented on the seasonal flu, “We want to make sure it is not spread. Going back to work or school when you've got symptoms will spread it.”
"If your child has the symptoms, please don't send them to school. Look after them at home. Likewise, if you've got the symptoms - don't go to work," he shared.
Flu is a serious illness which can be life threatening - especially for people aged 65 and over or anyone a long term medical condition. Get the vaccine. https://t.co/iFKKZXagre #YourBestShot pic.twitter.com/mNgVKmdShE
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) January 2, 2018
Medical experts have suggested that parents get to know the symptoms of the flu, so they can tackle it at the earliest stages:
- Sudden fever
- Dry, chesty cough
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Chills
- Aching muscles
- Limb or joint pain
- Diarrhoea or stomach upset
- Sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
Symptoms will usually peak after two or three days, but luckily your children will start to feel better after five to eight days.
It is best to keep your children away from school if they are suffering from the flu as it tends to spread around the classroom at a rapid pace.
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for the flu, but the HSE say that if you are fit and healthy you will beat influenza without treatment.
They recommend getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids and taking paracetamol to relieve the symptoms.
