Dr. Michael Pichichero says influenza b is the only strain of flu we are seeing now. Adults have more experience with this strain of flu. These children have not seen this type of b flu strain cause it wasn t around the last couple of years so you have a large number of children who have absolutely no immunity to type b flu, said Dr. Pichichero. It is estimated 7 out of 10 children that visit the doctor have the flu. Doctors hope that February break may help stop the spread of the flu.
Doctors say parents can t been too careful.
The flu can seem like a cold during the first few days. If your child has a high fever, muscle aches and a severe cough you should call the doctor. Although there isn t a prescription for the flu at that point, an antibiotic may be necessary if a secondary illness has set in. When a child has a high fever and a bad sore throat you have to see the doctor to see whether it s strep. If the child s cough seems deep you have to see the doctor to find out whether its bronchial pneumonia.