Flu Specialist

Future Pediatrics

Pediatricians & Pediatric Urgent Care located in Panama City Beach, FL & Panama City, FL

Often the flu presents mild symptoms that quickly subside, and other times it can be life-threatening and lead to severe complications — especially in children and those with weakened immune systems. At Future Pediatrics, with two convenient offices in Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida, pediatrician Ahmed Abo Baker Mohamed, MD, FAAP, and the conscientious medical professionals provide medical care for the flu, including the flu immunization (vaccination) to protect your child and help them feel better as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns about the flu, book online or over the phone.

Flu

What is the flu?

Influenza or the flu refers to a viral infection that attacks your child’s respiratory system. In some cases, it can resolve on its own, but in rare circumstances, the flu can be life-threatening.

A serious case of the flu can lead to complications, particularly in children and those with weakened immune systems and certain underlying medical conditions.

Children with chronic medical conditions like heart and kidney disease or asthma also have an increased risk of developing complications from the flu.

The best preventive care method to protect your child against the flu is living a healthy lifestyle and receiving an annual flu immunization. Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.

What causes the flu?

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, flu viruses travel through the air. Your child can contract these germs when they touch an object like a computer keyboard and then touch their face, transferring the germs to their eyes, nose, or mouth. Your child can also inhale the droplets in the air.

It’s important to note that your child is usually contagious if they’re experiencing symptoms of the flu.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The symptoms of the flu vary but might include:

Fever
Chills, sweats, and increased temperature sensitivity
General weakness
Headache
A persistent cough
Running nose and nasal congestion
Sore throat and sneezing
Chest pain and tightness
Aching muscles and fatigue

If your child has symptoms of a common cold or the flu, it’s best to visit Future Pediatrics for prompt evaluation and treatment.

What are the complications of the flu?

If your child is in good health, they should be able to fight off the flu within a couple of weeks without lasting effects. Children with an increased risk for the flu can develop complications, such as:

Ear infections
Heart problems
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Asthma flare-ups

With the right treatment, complications can be prevented, and your child’s health can be protected.

How is the flu treated?

To treat the flu, the team often suggests medical monitoring, plenty of hydration, and certain medications, such as pain relievers, decongestant nasal sprays, antiviral medications, and cough syrups.

The Future Pediatrics team often recommends Tamiflu® when necessary — a highly effective medication for treating the flu.

Be sure to stay up to date with your child’s flu vaccination and your flu vaccination. Vaccinating other family members also helps to protect your child and the whole family from getting the flu.

To learn more about the flu and help your child find relief, call Future Pediatrics or simply use the online scheduling tool.

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