Flu Symptoms in Children

Evaluating Flu Symptoms in Children

Flu symptoms in children can vary depending on the age of the child and which one of the three influenza viruses they have contracted.  Types A and B traditionally are responsible for the assortment of flu epidemics that spread yearly while type C is responsible for a sporadic illness.

The flu is highly contagious, especially with children because they are constantly sharing close quarters in classrooms, libraries, gym classes and locker rooms.  The virus is easily spread by a child inhaling air that has been infected by another child coughing or sneezing or coming in contact directly with the secretions of an infected child.  Hand to hand contact or sharing pencils, books, computers or utensils are all common elements associated with the spread of the virus.

Symptoms

Flu symptoms in children typically surface two or three days after being exposed to the virus.  It comes on rather quickly, targeting the upper respiratory system.

  • Classic Symptoms – Traditional symptoms include a very high fever of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, headache, dry cough and an overall feeling of illness.  These primary symptoms usually only last up to four days however, tiredness and the cough can continue to linger for an additional two weeks.  It is not uncommon for an entire family to come down with the same illness at the same time.
  • Young Children – Flu symptoms in children that are quite young and close to the toddler age often are mistaken for other respiratory infections such as bronchitis, croup or pneumonia. Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain are usually present as well as constant irritability and a high fever.
  • Infants – It is not uncommon for the flu to go unrecognized because symptoms are often not specific, suggesting some type of bacterial infection.  While the flu is uncommon in infants under six months old, those that do contract the virus show lethargy, poor circulation and refusal to eat.

Complications

The flu can present a few complications such as pneumonia, ear infections or a sinus infection.  If a child’s fever lasts for more than three days or if they complain of congestion, ear pain or breathing difficulty, you should call your pediatrician or go an emergency room if it is after hours immediately.  Young children under two years old are the most common age group to require hospitalization.

Treating Symptoms

There are effective over-the-counter medications as well as home remedies to use to treat children with the flu.  Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics are completely ineffective against the flu.  While antibiotics are helpful treating various types of bacterial infections, the flu is viral so they do nothing to fight the virus.  Common home remedies include:

  • Drinking plenty of liquids.  It is very easy for a child with the flu to get dehydrated.
  • Get plenty of rest.  The child should not be forced to engage in physical activity.
  • Offer the child ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce aches and lower fever.  You can find both varieties in children formulations.

Visit Natural Flu Remedy for more ideas.

It is extremely important to never give a child or teenager aspirin who has any flu symptoms, especially a fever.  Aspirin can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome which is a rare disorder resulting in brain or liver damage in individuals under the age of 18.

Manufacturers as well as the FDA now suggest that children under the age of four should not be given over-the-counter cold and cough medications.  When flu symptoms in children are present in those under four years old, always speak with your doctor first before offering any medication.  If your child’s fever persists or they show signs of dehydration, they should go to the hospital.  Additionally, emergency care is necessary if there are breathing difficulties present as well.