The HSE has recently warned that the flu season could continue for up to 10 more weeks. It seems at least one person in each house is suffering from it.
You don't mind it so much when it's yourself, but it's hard when your little one has the sniffles. It only becomes manageable when they have mastered the nose blowing technique.
There was a particularly harsh strain of flu going around, known as the Australian flu, with the HSE already issuing a
warning to parents over its dangers.
Doctors are now warning that children between the ages of five and 14 are most at risk. Symptoms of the flu include a headache, cough, severe muscle aches and a high fever.
If you think your child has the flu but is otherwise fit and healthy, the
HSE advises you to avail of some common remedies that can be done from your home.
- Keep your child indoors in a nice warm room.
- Make sure they drink plenty of liquids.
- Plenty of rest is also needed.
- Visit your local pharmacy to get over the counter medication - paracetamol or ibuprofen will relieve headaches, muscle pains and fever.
- If they sneeze or cough, encourage them to do so into a tissue, and then bin it immediately.
- Make sure they (and you) are washing their hand regularly, especially after sneezing or coughing.
Flu-like symptoms take a day to present themselves and then take 5-6 days to go ease.
If the symptoms persist or are severe, then you should visit a doctor.
