Press Release

Contact: Jerry Carey
(856) 566-6171
Careyge@umdnj.edu

At UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine
Physician Says Early Diagnosis, Treatment Helps in Beating Flu

The outbreak of a new influenza strain, reported childhood deaths and a shortage of vaccine have caused increasing concern among parents about whether to have their children immunized against the flu.

"A flu shot is the first line of defense," said Dr. Gintare Gecys, of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-School of Osteopathic Medicine, "but if your child becomes infected, you have treatments available to help ease his or her discomfort."

Dr. Gecys said symptoms of the flu include a fever higher than 100.4 degrees, fatigue, generalized muscle pain and mild upper respiratory symptoms such as a cough or slight sore throat.

If a child in your home has the flu, you can also take steps to keep it from spreading to siblings or other family members. Limit close contact between sick and well children, encourage frequent hand washing and teach your children to sneeze differently.

"The flu virus spreads through contact with respiratory droplets, which are often spread when a child touches something after sneezing into his or her hands," Dr. Gecys said. "Teach young children to sneeze into their elbows or shoulders so there's less chance of them leaving the virus behind through touching.

"Use over-the-counter medications to control the fever and give plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration," she said. "Dehydration is a particular concern with children. Because of their smaller body mass, they can become dehydrated more quickly."

Although influenza can be fatal, it's often secondary infections such as pneumonia that can be life-threatening.

"A fever that stays high despite medications, a severe cough or severe sore throat all may point to a more serious illness," Dr. Gecys said, "Contact your physician immediately if you are unable to control a child's fever or if the child exhibits unusual symptoms such as lethergy. Prescription medications are available that can help cure the flu by decreasing the virus's ability to replicate in your body."

To arrange and interview with Dr. Gecys, contact Jerry Carey at the UMDNJ News Service at (856) 566-6171 or at (973) 972-3000.

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