The Brunswick Star

First Things First (Aid)

Rebecca Haider

First Aid Officer

 

As we move further into winter, many of us will experience coughs and colds, runny noses and sore throats. 

 

 

Whilst these may be a response to the change in season or a simple cold, influenza presents in much the same way, manifesting similar symptoms. With influenza however, the symptoms are often more pronounced - with tiredness, lethargy and high fevers being more obvious. Often these symptoms do not pass quickly and so the illness tends to last longer than a common cold.

 

What are the signs?

Influenza is a respiratory infection cases by influenza viruses and is extremely contagious. It can take over a week for symptoms to abate (and sometimes longer) and as a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. 

The most common symptoms of the flu are:

  • sudden appearance of a high fever (38°C or more)
  • a dry cough
  • body aches (especially in the head, lower back and legs)
  • feeling extremely weak and tired (and not wanting to get out of bed)

Other symptoms may include:

  • chills
  • aching behind the eyes
  • loss of appetite
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

Prevention measures

Having "the flu" is even more likely if you have been in contact with someone who already has it, given its contagious nature. Immunisation and practising prevention measures are the best ways we can protect against the flu and reduce the number of influenza infections. 

 

Prevention measures include:-

  1. Practice good hygiene, including washing your hands thoroughly and regularly
  2. Coughing/sneezing into your elbow and using hand sanitiser
  3. If your child is unwell, have them stay home to rest and recover

What to do?

If students present with these symptoms at school, contact will be made with parents/carers and arrangements made.

 

Students with cold or flu-like symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention, limit contact with others, and stay at home until symptoms have passed. 

 

If your child has the flu

Most will recover from a mild or moderate case of the flu within a week, but their tiredness and cough may last longer. That said, the flu can quickly progress in severity and lead to other health complications, including pneumonia.  It is therefore important to seek advice from your doctor or health professional if your child becomes increasingly unwell, dehydrated or has difficulty breathing. 

 

Ref – Department of Education, Royal Children’s Hospital, Better Health Victoria.

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