Flu in children is one of those things that seems inevitable most winters. Flu season typically starts in December and ends in February, but of course there are variations in this timeline. We are seeing more and more kids testing positive for the flu virus early this year. A dose of flu vaccine each year is your child’s best defense against flu viruses.
When to call your child’s doctor
If you suspect that your child has the flu, it is only necessary to alert their health care provider if they have a history of chronic health conditions such as sickle cell disease, blood disorders or heart disease. These conditions would put them at higher risk for severe disease. Pediatricians will often prescribe antiviral medicine to kids with risk factors.
Otherwise healthy children, especially those who have received a dose of annual flu vaccine, are at low risk for complications and can safely be treated at home with supportive care. For most children, flu symptoms are similar to those of the common cold. The main symptoms are runny nose, cough, congestion, fever and body aches. Sometimes, kids will get ear infections with the flu.
Keep supplies on hand
During the influenza season, it is best to have certain supplies on hand. Like with most viral infections, supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. Cool mist humidifiers during sleep help to provide relief for stuffy noses. Children greater than 12 months of age can have a spoonful of honey to relieve cough. It can be given straight off of a spoon or mixed with a warm liquid for your child to consume. While cold medicines are not recommended for young children, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be given to treat pain or fever. Don’t forget to stock up on tissues as well.
Rest is the best medicine
When your child is sick with the flu, rules around screen time go out the window. When your child has a respiratory illness such as the flu their bodies are working hard to fight off the germ. Sick children need to get extra rest and sleep. So, set up a spot on the couch with their favorite blanky or stuffy and allow them to watch their favorite shows.
Drinking is more important than eating
One of the main flu symptoms in kids is a loss of appetite. Sick kids often don’t want to eat much. A few days of not eating well will not cause any lasting harm to most children. However, not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration. Fever in children will also contribute to their risk for dehydration. Pushing fluids is the most important thing that you can do to help your child to not only feel better, but to prevent dehydration and worsening of their medical condition. Your child needs to drink enough to need to urinate every 6 hours or so depending on their age. And like with screen time, the rules go out the window when your child is sick. Water is the best, but if your child will only drink juice or eat a popsicle, those can be good sources of fluids as well.
When should you worry
Most children with flu symptoms will have a mild illness for 5-7 days and then get better as their body fights off the germ. You should alert your child’s health care provider if they are breathing fast, having trouble breathing, are difficult to wake up or are just acting really sleepy. Children with chronic health conditions are especially at risk for worrisome symptoms. You should also seek medical advice if your child is not drinking enough to urinate every few hours or doesn’t have tears when they cry. Other symptoms in children that are cause for concern are fever that lasts longer than five days as well as signs of an ear or lung infection.
Stay home
While keeping your child home can be difficult, it is the best way to prevent others from getting sick. Influenza viruses are very contagious and are easily spread between children at school and daycare. Young children are more likely to spread respiratory illness because they don’t know how to cover their coughs and sneezes well.
Preventing the spread of the flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children ages 6 months and older receive flu vaccination each year. Children over the age of two years old who do not have chronic health conditions such as asthma or immune compromising conditions may have a flu vaccine in the form of a nasal spray vaccine. While yearly flu vaccine is the best prevention, staying home when you are sick, keeping sick children home and washing your hands frequently are also great medical advice for preventing the spread of flu.
Let us help you
It feels like we have been beat up by viruses over the past few years especially. The COVID pandemic and now the early RSV and flu seasons are stretching our healthcare system. If you are tired of waiting rooms, not having access to the pediatrician or seeing a new person each time you go in, give us a call. At 127 Pediatrics, we offer direct access to the pediatrician, timely care from a board certified pediatrician and no waiting rooms! We are accepting new patients in Aledo and Fort Worth. Call us today.
© 127 Pediatrics; November 2022
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls-only concierge pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
