Colds, flu & chest infections
Colds, flu and chest infections are common for children. With weaker immune systems than that of us adults, kids often battle to fight these respiratory infections, and a simple cough can quickly become a serious infection like pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis.
What are the signs to look out for?
- A wet or dry cough (which may be persistent)
- Coughing up of phlegm
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Fever
- Aches and pains
- Earache
- Wheezing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain or tightness
- Breathlessness
Chest infections like bronchitis and pneumonia are the most common and are usually caused by bacteria or viruses. While treatment of respiratory and chest infections will be tailored to the specific child, bacterial infections are usually treated with decongesting medications and antibiotics. Viral chest infections, on the other hand, may require hospitalization to manage.
Since babies and young children, especially those with asthma, are more at risk of getting respiratory infections, vaccinations are usually recommended.
What other vaccinations are recommended?
The influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are recommended to protect against chest infections. Other immunizations that may be beneficial in protecting your child from fatal infectious diseases include Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis A and B, Polio, Chickenpox, Shingles and Meningococcal Disease.
