One of the best feelings as a parent is seeing your little one’s happy and healthy. It brings us much joy to see them grow and enjoy life. We also know that sometimes, our kids get sick, and it can be challenging to recognize flu symptoms in kids.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of the flu in kids and how you can guide them through a healthy recovery so they stay feeling their best.
Common Symptoms of the Flu in Kids
Symptoms of the flu share many similarities with the common cold, COVID-19, RSV and strep throat. That’s why it’s important as a parent to learn these symptoms so you can spot them in your little ones and help them recover. The 10 most common symptoms of the flu in kids include:
- Behavioral changes like irritability or tiredness
- Body aches
- Cough
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Ear pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
Children experience flu symptoms more severely than adults. This is because their immune systems are not fully developed, potentially leading to other health risks in children, such as pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and asthma, when compared to adults. It’s our job as parents to be mindful of the health risks for our little ones so we can get them the care they deserve from one of our AdventHealth Centra Care Kids clinics.
Severe Flu Symptoms in Kids
For children under the age of five, symptoms of the flu can be more severe, including:
- Bluish lips or face
- Chest pain
- Dehydration
- Fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Trouble breathing
- Severe body or muscle pain
It’s important to note that symptoms usually appear one to four days after infection when our children are most contagious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 25,000 children under five are hospitalized with the flu yearly in the U.S. If your little ones are experiencing any of these symptoms, take them to your nearest emergency room.
Treatment Options for Children
While there isn’t a cure for the flu, most symptoms can be managed at home by:
- Ensuring they get lots of rest
- Keeping them hydrated
- Using medications such as fever and pain relievers to manage symptoms
Your AdventHealth doctor may prescribe your little one antiviral medications to help defend against the flu if they’re at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications. For optimal results, your children’s antiviral medications must be administered within 48 hours of showing symptoms.
Children Recovering From the Flu
Mild symptoms of the flu in kids can begin to fade within one week. However, it can take two weeks for your little one to fully recover. If your child’s immune system isn’t as strong, they’re more likely to develop a more serious illness. That’s why you must immediately get them the help they need after they start showing symptoms.
Most children recover from the flu within a week, but it’s normal to feel tired for several weeks afterward. If your child has had the flu for over a week and isn’t getting better, visit your nearest urgent care for kids.
When Should Kids Get the Flu Shot?
Since it’s common for children to experience harsher symptoms of the flu compared to adults, it may be time to consider getting your little one vaccinated. According to the CDC, children over six months old should receive their flu shot annually. The CDC tells us that getting the flu shot helps reduce your risk of needing to visit the doctor by 40 to 60%.
In some cases, your child may need two doses of the flu vaccine — the first dose in July or August and the second right before peak flu season. Since the influenza virus evolves every year, the vaccine is incredibly beneficial for your children as it’s updated yearly to defend against the current strain.
Supporting Your Child Through the Flu
We know how difficult it is to see your children sick with the flu, but in most cases, their symptoms resolve in a matter of days. However, there are ways you can help your child recover from the flu quicker, including:
- Cleaning and disinfecting your home regularly to stop the spread
- Giving them a constant supply of liquids
- Giving them medications for fever and pain relief
- Keeping them home from school if showing symptoms
- Visiting your local urgent care clinic for flu services
If you’re unsure if your little one has the flu, visit their primary care physician immediately.
Preventing Your Child From Getting the Flu
While the flu vaccine is a great way to prevent your child from getting the flu, there certainly are other things you can do to help protect them, including:
- Eating a healthy diet to boost their immune system
- Getting enough sleep
- Practice proper hand-washing techniques
- Staying away from other sick children or adults
If your child does get the flu, you can help reduce the spread by:
- Avoiding shared items
- Disinfecting your home
- Staying home
- Teaching your children to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze
These are great ways of teaching your children how to participate in preventive health care.
Your Dedicated Health Partners
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of the flu in kids so you can get them proper help. Remember, the risk of developing the flu decreases severely for those who receive their flu shot annually.
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Visit us here if you’re noticing symptoms of the flu in your children or want to schedule a vaccine appointment. Learn more about our urgent care clinics and the services we offer. You’re never alone — our pediatric care teams are dedicated to helping your little ones feel whole.
