Influenza or flu is a highly infectious disease of the respiratory tract. It is caused by a virus.Itis like a very bad cold that causes fever,pains and weakness.The disease is spread by coughing,and through skin contact with droplets of saliva and nasal dischrge.In the United Stayes of America it is estimated that up to 40% of children catch the flu every year,and of these 1% is hospitalized with severe symptoms. Influenza can affect paople of any age. There is a mortality risk in the elderly and infirm.
Children may experience sympotms of influenza one to three days after contracting the virus. The severity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The common symptoms are high fever, aches and pains, weakness and dry coughs. Runny nose, sore throat, red eyes, diarrhea may also be present in some cases. Infected persons may be contagious to others twenty-four hours before any symptoms appear, and may remain contagiour for seven days after. In most cases, the symptoms last a short time abouf five or seven days. Childern with influenza should star at home to convalesce, drink plenty of fluids and take medicine for fever as required. When the symptoms are sevre, medical atten tion is necessary.