Duration of the fever
Fever, which usually occurs in phases, is the main symptom of influenza. After the incubation period of the flu illness it occurs very suddenly and can reach up to 40°C. In most cases, febrile attacks and chills alternate periodically and can occur until the symptoms of the flu subside.
Typically, however, the first days of the flu illness are dominated by fever. The individual course of the fever depends strongly on the person affected. For example, children and adolescents usually develop fever faster than adults.
The course of fever during the flu illness is called “remittent” fever. This means that the body temperature fluctuates by about 1.5° to 2° Celsius between the morning and evening hours. Towards evening the fever is usually higher than in the morning. If the fever persists for several days, a doctor should be consulted so that under certain circumstances therapeutic measures can be taken to lower the fever. Secondary infections can also be partly responsible for the increased body temperature and should be clarified by the treating physician as soon as possible.
Duration for children
In contrast to a cold, which is unpleasant for the affected child, but usually poses no danger, an infection with the “real” flu is a serious illness.Nevertheless, the immune system of children and adolescents is usually strong enough to survive the disease without taking medication. By sparing the body with bed rest and a sufficient supply of fluids, the disease in children can be terminated after only 5-7 days. In some cases, however, the weakening of the immune system leads to a so-called bacterial superinfection, which requires medical attention.
Pneumonia, heart muscle inflammation or meningitis are diseases that should be treated with antibiotic therapy in time and are serious complications of influenza. According to the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO), children who suffer from previous illnesses that weaken the immune system or who suffer from illnesses that worsen significantly when infected with the virus are classified as a risk group. A bacterial superinfection should be prevented in these children at all costs.
If the infected person belongs to this risk group, the course of the flu illness can last significantly longer compared to children whose immune system is intact. In these cases, it can take up to 2 weeks until a complete recovery is achieved. For this reason, vaccination against the virus is strongly recommended, especially for children who belong to this risk group.
After such a vaccination side effects often occur. It is also important that children are contagious a little longer than adults who are affected by the flu virus. Adults are contagious up to 5 days after the appearance of symptoms for their environment, with this period extending to up to 7 days in children.
This is particularly important information for those who care for children. It is also important to know that children are contagious a little longer than adults who are affected by the flu virus. Adults are contagious up to 5 days after the onset of symptoms for their environment, with this period being extended to up to 7 days in children. This is particularly important information for those who care for children.
