Seasonal Flu Prevention Tips for Moms

Seasonal Flu Prevention Tips for Moms

Brought to you by CuddleBugs at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center

MOORESVILLE, NC (November 27, 2012) – In the U.S., the “official” influenza or flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.  More dangerous than the common cold, the seasonal flu affects many children annually, with some cases resulting in death.

For new moms, the flu can be rather alarming – on average, 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized annually due to flu complications.  To generate awareness, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center’s CuddleBugs program is committed to helping parents identify the difference between the common cold and the flu.

When a child comes down with the flu, it often means he or she will need attentive care – especially if the child is under the age of 5 years old.  While severe influenza complications are most common in children younger than 2 years old, those with chronic health problems – such as asthma, diabetes and disorders of the brain and nervous system – are at a high risk of developing serious flu complications and must be monitored carefully.

What are the warning signs and symptoms in children?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu signs and symptoms include:

• Fever (though not everyone will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

In children, emergency action should be taken if your child:

• Has fast or labored breathing
• Has a bluish skin color
• Isn’t drinking enough fluids
• Isn’t waking up or interacting
• Is irritable to the point of not wanting to be held
• Has flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and cough
• Has a fever with a rash

Don’t delay, get vaccinated today.

When it comes to beating the flu, prevention is the best cure.  The CDC advises that everyone six months of age and older should get a seasonal flu vaccine.

Additional tips that can help keep you and your child healthy:

• Avoid contact with people what are sick
• Wash your hands and your children’s hands often to protect against germs, especially before eating.  If you don’t have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand cleaners
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose, especially while in public areas, and encourage your child to do the same

Following these easy steps will help prevent you and those around you from getting the flu.  For a thorough list of flu-related facts, please visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/flu or visit www.lnrmc.com.

About CuddleBugs
CuddleBugs is a free program designed to provide answers to new and expectant moms from the earliest stages of pregnancy through post-delivery – including guidance for newborn care.  For more information about CuddleBugs, visit CuddleBugsBaby.com.

About Lake Norman Regional Medical Center
Lake Norman Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to individuals throughout the greater Lake Norman region. Located just off I-77 at Exit 33, the Mooresville medical campus offers complete specialty services from 24-hour emergency medicine and maternity to oncology and advanced surgical services. For more information about the services offered at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, please visit www.LNRMC.com.