Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It's caused by Influenza A, B, or C viruses, which keep changing their form every year. This means your child can catch a new strain even if they've had the flu before.

The flu spreads quickly through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, and it’s very contagious - even before symptoms appear. Your child can spread the flu until their symptoms have cleared up, which usually takes about a week.

Symptoms typically begin 2 days after exposure. Older children may suddenly develop chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, tiredness, and a dry cough, with the worst symptoms lasting 3 to 4 days. In younger kids, the flu often looks like a severe cold with high fever, a runny nose, cough, irritability, and poor appetite. Babies might also have a hoarse cry, a barking cough, or even diarrhea and vomiting.

If your child struggles to breathe, shows a bluish tint to their lips, or is extremely lethargic, call us immediately. For persistent earaches, fever, or a deep cough, reach out during office hours.

To manage symptoms, give acetaminophen for fever and pain but avoid aspirin, as it can cause severe complications like Reye syndrome. A humidifier may help with coughing, but strong cough medicines should be avoided, especially in younger children.

Antibiotics aren’t typically needed unless complications like an ear or sinus infection arise. Tamiflu® is an antiviral that might help, but it's important to discuss this with us first.

During the flu, children often lose their appetite, so encourage fluids and rest. Since the flu is highly contagious, teach your child to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze and wash their hands often. If your child is at high risk due to conditions like asthma, annual flu vaccines are essential. They can return to school once they're fever-free and feeling better, even if a cough lingers.