Category: 3. Influenza

Call the healthcare provider if your child has: Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse New symptoms Key points about the flu in children Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection of the respiratory system. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. Most children are ill with the…

The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is given as a shot (injection). A nasal spray is not recommended for the 2017-2018 flu season. The CDC says this is because the nasal spray did not seem to protect against the flu over the last several flu seasons. Each…

The flu can cause severe breathing problems. A child with severe symptoms may need to stay in the hospital. The flu can lead to a lung infection called pneumonia. In some cases, the flu can lead to death.

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. The goal of treatment is to help prevent or ease symptoms. Treatment may include medicines such as: Acetaminophen. This is to help lessen body aches and fever. Don’t give aspirin to a child with a…

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. The symptoms are often enough to diagnose the flu. Your child’s provider may do other tests, depending on your child’s symptoms and overall health.

Cold symptoms Flu symptoms Low or no fever High fever Sometimes a headache Headache in most cases Stuffy, runny nose Clear nose, or stuffy nose in some cases Sneezing Sneezing in some cases Mild, hacking cough Cough, often turning severe Mild body aches Severe body aches Mild tiredness Extreme tiredness that can last weeks Sore…

The flu is a respiratory disease, but it can affect the whole body. A child can become suddenly ill with any or all of these symptoms: Fever, which may be as high as 103°F (39.4°C) to 105°F (40.5°C) Body aches, which may be severe Headache Sore throat Cough that gets worse Tiredness Runny or stuffy…

A child is more at risk for the flu if he or she: Is around people infected with the flu Has not had the flu vaccine Does not wash his or her hands after touching infected surfaces Young children and children with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk for a hospital stay or…

The flu is caused by flu viruses. Flu viruses are divided into 3 types: Influenza types A and B. These 2 types of viruses cause widespread illness (epidemics) almost every winter. They often lead to more people needing to go to the hospital, and more people dying from the flu. Public health officials focus on stopping…

What is the flu in children? Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. It is one of the most severe and common viral illnesses of the winter season. Most children are ill with the…