or   Contact: Randi Appelbaum/DMS at 212-727-1802 or e-mail at RandiA@dmswire.com

WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TREATING THE FLU
PEDIATRICIAN SUSAN MAY, M.D., OFFERS FLU-FIGHTERS AND TREATMENTS FOR THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE WINTER’S MOST GRIPPING ILLNESS
_____________________________________________________________________

DETAILS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict that deaths among babies and toddlers this year will exceed the annual average, making this year’s flu outbreak one of the worst in several years. Flu can be a particularly serious illness for young children because they have not built up as much natural defense against the virus as adults. Because flu shots are sparse and there are few preventative measures parents can take to protect their child from the virus, parents need to know what they can do if their child contracts the flu.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

PEDIATRICIAN SUSAN MAY, M.D., DISCUSSED THESE FLU PREVENTION AND TREATMENT TIPS:

PREVENTION:
* Make sure kids wash hands with warm and soapy for at least 15 seconds
* Disinfect phones, door-knobs, toys and frequently handled items regularly
* Discard all used tissues immediately
* Provide your kids with nutritious foods at meal time.

TREATMENT:
* Offer your child plenty of fluids, especially oral electrolyte solutions. Fever, which is often associated with the flu, can lead to dehydration.
* Provide aspirin for your child’s aches and pains, but consult your family doctor before starting any aspirin treatment.
* Dress your child in layers
* Encourage bed-rest, with plenty of books and magazines to keep your child stimulated
* As a parent, take care of yourself and the other members of your family

ABOUT DR. SUSAN MAY, MD: A pediatrician by training, Susan May, M.D., is Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University’s College of Medicine. Prior to her current position, she was Medical Director of the Primary Care Center for Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH.

Dr. May is a member of several professional and scientific societies, including the Ambulatory Pediatric Association and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. She also is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, Dr. May has served on numerous committees at both Children’s Hospital and the College of Medicine at The Ohio State University. She currently is a member of the hospital’s Continuing Medical Education Committee.