It’s that time of year. For some, the changing of the weather signifies the need for a wardrobe change. For many, it’s allergy season and worst of all, flu season. And this year, flu season isn’t the same as it’s been in the past. The pandemic has put us in a position of being susceptible to both COVID and the flu, which means we’re also at risk of those viruses affecting any other ailment one might suffer from. When it comes to children with pediatric asthma, the pediatric flu can be particularly stressful for a parent as well as for a child to endure.
While every child is affected differently, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for when your asthmatic child contracts the pediatric flu that will help you determine if it’s time to visit your San Antonio pediatric doctor.
Pediatric Flu And The Symptoms
While we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic, it may seem like a difficult task to determine whether or not a child has COVID or the pediatric flu. There is good news when it comes to this subject. It’s correct that children are vulnerable to COVID however, they are less likely than adults to experience severe symptoms. This means that should they contract the virus, they will experience very mild symptoms or may be asymptomatic. This puts them at an advantage as they are less likely to develop complications in the way an adult might.
Pediatric flu, however, is another story. When a child contracts pediatric flu, they can experience body aches, headaches, a fever that can range anywhere from 103F to 105F, chills, a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. While most kids are able to clear the pediatric flu in a few days (with a cough that may last from one to two weeks), children with pediatric asthma may not be as lucky. If your child suffers from pediatric asthma, here is when pediatric flu can become more of an issue.
When To Visit The San Antonio Pediatric Doctor
Pediatric flu does not always require a trip to your San Antonio pediatric physician. However, when combined with pediatric asthma, it’s imperative to watch out for certain symptoms as the pediatric flu may be having a negative impact on your child’s pediatric asthma and health.
If your child has pediatric asthma and has come down with pediatric flu, your child is at risk for asthma attacks as the pediatric flu can severely affect their lungs. Their airways can also become swollen and sensitive and, if not treated, children with pediatric asthma are more likely to develop pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
It’s time to see a San Antonio pediatric physician when your child is having shortness or difficulty breathing or their vomiting has become excessive. Additionally, if you are unable to break their fever or they appear dehydrated and the frequency of their urination has decreased, it’s time to get them to a San Antonio pediatric physician as soon as possible.
Protect Your Child From Pediatric Flu Complications
Whether your child is ailment-free or suffers from pediatric asthma, one of the best things you can do to help protect your child from the pediatric flu is to have them vaccinated. There is a belief that a flu shot will infect your child with pediatric flu but that is actually false. In fact, it is extremely rare that a child will become infected with pediatric flu from a flu shot.
Your child can receive a flu shot every year as early as 6 months old. Some San Antonio pediatric experts suggest children, particularly those that suffer from additional ailments such as pediatric asthma, receive a flu shot every fall before they become at risk of contracting the pediatric flu.
If your child suffers from pediatric asthma, or you’re interested in learning more about protecting your child from the pediatric flu, contact Parsi Pediatrics today! Our San Antonio pediatric doctors are committed to keeping your child safe in any season and providing them with the type of care they deserve. We’re in the throes of flu season so don’t wait – contact Parsi Pediatrics for your child’s appointment today at 210.561.1551!
