Influenza Symptoms and Treatment

Flu (or influenza) is a respiratory infection that is caused by a virus. Flu season typically runs from October to May, when the weather is colder and people spend most of their time indoors, where the virus more easily spreads. 

Flu Vaccines

The flu vaccine is an effective tool in preventing flu infection. Although it offers no guarantees, it can offer protection to children who receive it from the particular strain of the virus that is believed to be prevalent in the current flu season. A new flu vaccine is needed every fall for all children over the age of 6 months.

Symptoms of the Flu in Children

The flu produces more severe symptoms than a cold. Symptoms usually appear about 2 days after a child is in contact with someone carrying the virus. They include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches and weakness
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Earaches
• Diarrhea

How Flu Spreads

The flu is spread by respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough and sneeze. These droplets might be inhaled by people nearby or picked up by touching surfaces where these droplets landed. Because the flu can be spread by people even before they start experiencing symptoms and continue to spread until the symptoms are resolved, the flu is highly contagious.

Treating the Flu in Children

There’s usually no need to take your child to the doctor for the flu. While antiviral medications are available, they only shorten the flu by a day or two, so they are usually reserved for patients who are very sick or children who have underlying conditions that put them at higher risk for complications. 

We recommend the following for patients with the flu:

• Children should stay home from school and childcare until they feel better and have been without a fever for at least 24 hours (without using a fever reducer).
• Make sure your child gets the rest they need and drinks plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.
• Treat fevers and aches with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Use a cool mist humidifier to ease coughs, sore throats, and congestion.
• Do not share cups, food, or eating utensils with other members of the family.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu

How do you know if your child has the flu?

There’s no telltale sign that indicates that a child has the flu, but often the symptoms come on much more suddenly than they might with a cold. Your child will feel worse than with a cold and they may also experience gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea, which are uncommon with colds.

Should I take my child to the doctor for the flu?

It’s usually not necessary to bring your child in if they have the flu, but you can certainly call your child’s doctor for advice and to help determine whether your child indeed has the flu or if it could be another type of infection.

How long should a child stay out of school with the flu?

Your child should stay home until they feel better and have been free of a fever for at least 24 hours, without using fever-control medicines. The flu can be transmitted for as long as a person is experiencing symptoms, so it’s important to take this guideline seriously. This may mean a week or more off of school.