Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
Influenza is commonly known as the flu, and both terms will appear throughout this publication.
What is the flu?
- A contagious illness caused by the influenza virus.
- The virus is spread through respiratory droplets. It spreads easily in childcare settings.
- The virus is constantly changing and is different every year.
- While most people experience respiratory symptoms, influenza can affect the whole body.
- In the United States, influenza infections usually happen in the fall and winter – this is called “flu season”. Sometimes flu season can last into the spring too.
- It is NOT the same thing as the “stomach flu” which typically causes vomiting and diarrhea.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
- Symptoms usually develop within 1-4 days after contact with someone who has the flu.
- Your child will usually feel the worst during the first 2-3 days of being sick.
- Your child might suddenly develop a high fever. Fever might last for 2-5 days. There might be chills and shaking (shivering) with the fever.
- Sore throat
- Cough. Cough can last for 2-3 weeks. Your child might cough up phlegm of many different colors.
- Stuffy and/or runny nose. Runny nose can last for 1-2 weeks.
- Fatigue
- Body aches, muscle aches
- Headache
- Throwing up (vomiting) and loose, runny stools (diarrhea)
How is the flu diagnosed?
- Your child’s healthcare provider might test for influenza with a nasal swab. You will usually have the results of this test before you leave the office.
- Testing with nasal swabs is the only reliable way to differentiate between the flu and COVID.
- Based on your child’s symptoms, their healthcare provider might diagnose them with influenza without doing the test.
How can I prevent the flu?
The Flu Shot
Getting the flu vaccine (“the flu shot) is the best way to prevent influenza.
- All babies and children 6 months and older need an influenza vaccine every fall.
- Because the influenza virus is changing all the time, the vaccine is different every year.
- Most often, the flu shot prevents getting any flu infection. If you have been vaccinated but still get the flu, the shot still helps to reduce your symptoms.
- Since there are many different influenza viruses, your child should still get a flu shot even if they have had the flu – it can protect them from getting sick with a different version of the virus.
- If you have questions about the flu vaccine, please discuss them with your child’s healthcare provider.
Good Hygiene
- Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
- Wash hands often.
- Don’t share cups, utensils, towels, or toothbrushes.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces often. This includes doorknobs, countertops, toilet handles, and toys.
If your child has been exposed to someone with influenza
- Anti-viral medications MIGHT help prevent infections in some high-risk children.
- Please contact your child’s healthcare provider if you think they might need medication.
How is this treated?
Supportive Care
- Most children will benefit from “supportive care”.
- This means treating the symptoms your child has so they feel more comfortable.
- Click here to learn how to treat your child’s symptoms.
Anti-Viral Medications
- Anti-viral medications (such as tamiflu) might be recommended by your child’s healthcare provider.
- Most healthy children do not need this treatment.
- Treatment is recommended for children with underlying medical conditions, those under 2 years old, and those with severe symptoms.
- These medications can help decrease the length of symptoms by 1-2 days if started in the first 48hours of being sick.
This is a virus infection. Antibiotics DO NOT treat virus infections. Some children develop bacterial infections (like ear infections or pneumonia) after they have the flu – these infections are treated with antibiotics.
When can my child return to school and other activities?
ALL of the following conditions must be met before returning:
- They have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of any medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Their other symptoms are improving.
- They feel well enough to participate in normal activities.
When to call your doctor:
- Fever lasts for more than 5 days.
- Fever resolves for 1 or 2 days and then returns.
- Your child is having difficulty breathing.
- Your child complains of ear pain.
- Your child is having difficulty drinking and is showing signs of dehydration (such as: no urination for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying).
- Your child is getting worse or developing new concerning symptoms.
- Your child seems to be improving and then suddenly gets worse.
- You have other questions, concerns, or think your child needs to be seen.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics patient education materials.
Reviewed by: AR D.O., TT D.O. | 1/2024