Effects of Flu on Children
Oct. 25, 2002 (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- School-aged children are
prone to get the flu, but how does this affect their quality of
life? A new study pinpoints the effects of the influenza virus on
children and their families.
Influenza causes respiratory problems and affects all age groups
and segments of the population. While serious complications can
occur in the very young and old, the effects on school-aged children
has not been studied. It's estimated that each year up to 70 percent
of school-aged children get the flu.
Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine
in Seattle conducted a study to compare the effects of the flu
season on the quality of life for kids. More than 300 children in
kindergarten through eighth grade took part in the study. The
students and parents filled out surveys throughout the winter months
about school days missed, illness episodes, medication usage,
physician visits, parental workdays missed, and illnesses among
other family members. Researchers compared the answers on the
surveys from during flu season to when flu season was over during
the winter months.
The study showed flu season has a significant impact on the
children and their families compared to when it was not the flu
season. Researchers report for every 100 children followed during
the flu season, there were an extra 28 illness episodes and 63
missed school days. Furthermore, for every 100 children studied,
parents missed 20 days of work.
Researchers conclude during the flu season, there is an increase
of reported illnesses, school days missed, workdays missed by
parents, and subsequent illnesses among household members.
Researchers say this study reinforces the recommendations to
vaccinate children if they live with people at risk for
complications of the flu virus.
SOURCE: Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine,
2002;156:986-991
[Children's Health Home]
Medical Breakthroughs happen every day --
click here to
subscribe to Ivanhoe.com's e-mail Medical Alerts!