If you experience severe chest pain or have trouble breathing, seek medical attention. It's not safe for toddlers. The flu usually lasts about a week, but it might take several weeks for toddlers to get all their energy back. See our editorial policy for more detail. Symptoms of flu in children are mostly the same as in adults. When your child has the flu, you'll want to keep him comfortable. Ask your doctor if cough medication is recommended. Even if your child has already been seen by a doctor, if their symptoms worsen, take them back to the doctor or go to an emergency room immediately. It works best when its started within 48 hours of flu symptoms beginning. What are the best home remedies for the stomach flu? Never give your child aspirin because it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome. In severe cases, there are prescription medications called influenza antiviral drugs available. Many flu symptoms may be caused by other health problems. The virus strain which causes the flu varies from year to year. In children. (2017). There's a lot you can do to make your little one more comfy while his body fights it off. But just like the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the influenza virus is constantly changing. Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 20212022. Other tests may be done such as a nose or throat swab. Body Most of the time the symptoms are mild. Blankets arent recommended for babies as they pose a smothering risk. Influenza vaccines. Trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. The flu vaccine is safe for all children to take unless they have one of a very few medical conditions. The following are key differences between cold and flu symptoms in toddlers: Children will typically recover in a week, but they may still feel tired for roughly 34 weeks. Fast breathing or trouble breathing. Headache. Wipe down doorknobs, tables, and other surfaces in your home with hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, detergent, or iodine-based antiseptics. This tends to happen more frequently in children than in others. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses | Testing | Patient Care | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus | Email Alerts. We also provide access to services offered by GoodRx and our partners when we think these services might be useful to our visitors. But, similar to above, not all COVID . The first time a child between the ages of 6 months and 8 years gets a flu vaccine, they will need a second flu vaccine 1 month later. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. This depends on your childs symptoms and overall health. Avoid cough drops, which can be a choking hazard for toddlers. If they are, your child will need to start taking these medications within 48 hours of their first symptoms. Researchers have found that children with asthma and preexisting neurological problems may also be more vulnerable to the complications that flu can cause. American Academy of Pediatrics: "The flu," "Caring for your child's cold or flu," "Influenza exposure. Flu season in the U.S. usually begins in October with flu activity most common between December and February. (2017). These symptoms typically last five to seven days, though they can last up to two weeks.. Older children may be able to gargle with warm salt water to alleviate a sore throat. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each year, a new flu vaccine is available before the flu season starts. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. If you spray once or twice in each nostril, it should help to open the airways. Scripps hospitals and doctors' offices have reported 1,695 positive tests for influenza since September 1, up from 471 in the same period a year ago. Its imperative that your child gets both vaccines. You are quite apt to feel terrible, or as WHO puts it, experience "severe malaise." Some treatments you can use at home are listed below. Children under 6 months old cannot get the flu vaccine. That means a helpful ingredient, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), might not be included at a useful dose. A child can become suddenly ill with any or all of these symptoms: Fever, which may be as high as 103F (39.4C) to 105F (40.5C). Children under 5 are at higher risk of complications from the flu. Check out our top seven tips for preventing the spread of flu in your house. Symptoms. If your child has a stuffy nose, saline nasal drops or a humidifier may help. If he'sis older than 1 year of ageg and hasa bad cough, 1/2 teaspoon of honey can help. Other symptoms which signal an immediate need for urgent medical attention, no matter your childs age, include: Your child may be home with the flu for up to two weeks. Like many viruses, young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications.. Will Putting Onions in Your Socks Cure the Flu? The flu is a respiratory disease, but it can affect the whole body. Infections: Influenza (flu). If their symptoms arent improving after 3 or 4 days, or if they start to get better but then get worse, let your healthcare provider know. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children aged 6 months to 5 years face a significant risk of developing complications due to the flu. The vaccine is safe for everyone 6 months old and older and is offered every September. You think your toddler is dehydrated: Dehydration can happen quickly in a child who doesnt have an appetite. Chills A child with the flu may feel very cold, even if they are in a warm room. It does not have the severe public health impact that influenza types A and B do. This has been shown to have an impact upon the age groups most affected. But they may still feel very tired for as long as 3 to 4 weeks. muscle or body aches. In addition, children older than 12 months can take a teaspoon of honey to help calm a cough (infants younger than that should not be given honey). my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8276-dehydration-and-your-child, texaschildrens.org/blog/2013/01/flu-symptoms-when-bring-your-child-emergency-center, fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm422465.htm, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/flu-shots/faq-20058448, Childrens Health Symptoms You Shouldnt Ignore. 2. Influenza antiviral drugs come in several forms, including pills, liquid, and as an inhaler. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Quick Tips for Treating Kids with a Cold or Flu, Stock Up! Last week, the U.S. had just over 7,500 confirmed flu cases, up . 02:23. Educating yourself about influenza is an important step toward keeping your family safe and healthy. 2. The goal of treatment is to help prevent or ease symptoms. Offer your children fluids, such as water, clear soup, or unsweetened juice. (2018). Theres no foolproof way to completely limit your childs flu risk, but there are some things you can do: If your child does get the flu or has flu-like symptoms, seek out medical support. The flu, or influenza, is a cold-weather illness that affects children of all ages. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, preferably into the crook of your arm rather than your hand. "In most cases, flu starts . The risk of infecting others often ends about day 5 to 7 of the illness. Bryant, K. (2022). Any temperature above 100.4F is a fever. Even after their initial symptoms subside, they may feel tired and unwell. fatigue (tiredness) some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Flu season is at its peak in the late winter months. GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the third-party brands identified. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Keep a close eye on your toddler if they get the flu. Should I be worried if my child gets sick too often? Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine. ILI visits at this time are highest among children 0-4 years, followed by people 5-24 years. Steckelberg JM. If your childs temperature is above 104 degrees, call your doctors office right away. We may receive compensation when a user decides to leverage these services, but making them available does not influence the medical content our editorial staff provides. A doctor can offer treatment if it is needed. That means there are still times when the virus slips past. However, cases of the flu can continue to occur. If you think your toddler has the flu, you should let your healthcare provider know. We get infected with the flu when influenza viruses enter our body. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Usually they include the sudden appearance of: fever. Although most toddlers recover from the flu in about a week, it's important to watch for signs of more serious problems. Some of these symptoms - such as a headache or body aches - are hard to detect in a baby or young toddler. Youre contagious one day prior to feeling any symptoms and will remain contagious for about a week or until your symptoms are completely gone. A decrease in urine output is another symptom of dehydration. The symptoms are often enough to diagnose the flu. Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. Cough medications arent usually considered necessary or effective for children and may have significant side effects. You may experience a stuffy nose, sneezing and a sore throat, but those are less common than coughing. Decreased appetite. Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Remember that its hard to behave when youre feeling miserable. Steer clear of over-the-counter cough medicine. The flu can cause severe breathing problems. Thats true but very few things in life are 100% anything. Because of COVID-19, the CDC says getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect yourself and the people around you from flu. Influenza type C. This type of virus causes a very mild respiratory illness or no symptoms at all. A cool mist humidifier can help with coughing, and so can tilting the bed up slightly if mucus is a problem. Dehydration is a big problem when kids dont want to eat, especially if theyre also fighting a fever or an upset stomach. Most young children with a cough or cold dont need medicines. Seizures. Not everyone will get a fever. You might also see your toddler using their chest or stomach muscles, or flaring their nostrils. These concerns include: The CDC also state that children who are of Native American or Alaskan Native heritage are more likely to experience severe cases of flu than others. In older children, it's given as a shot in the upper arm muscle. This is true especially with children, who often touch many surfaces and then their mouth, nose, or eyes. Runny or stuffy nose. This week, CDC also reported three new pediatric deaths for the prior (2021-2022) flu season, bringing the season total to 43 pediatric deaths. The New Jersey Department of Health data shows positive flu tests in the state doubled in the span of a week at the end of October. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Otherwise, treatment focuses on helping ease your childs symptoms until the illness passes. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Get your childs first dose as soon as the vaccine is available. This includes doorknobs, toys, pens or pencils, keyboards, phones and tablets, and countertops. In rare cases, an allergic reaction in a child who has a severe allergy to eggs. They may be used, though, if your child has developed bacterial pneumonia. It's also available as a nasal spray for healthy children over the age of 2, including teens who are not pregnant. Serious outcomes are pretty rare. Sore throat. info@sarrafjewel.com or jewelsarraf@gmail.com. The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but theyre caused by different viruses. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. It's one of the most severe and common viral illnesses of the winter season. Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious virus that spreads easily to toddlers during the cooler months of the year. The flu may also lead to lung infection (pneumonia) or death. Children under age 5, and especially those under age 2, are considered at high risk for getting complications from the flu. They are readily available and work very well to prevent the flu. Seniors and children younger than age 5 are most at risk right now, public health . If your child isnt making much urine, and especially if they seem sleepy or lethargic, take them to the hospital. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. Have your child wash his or her hands often. cough. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about how vaccines work and how well they prevent flu. But a drug called oseltamivir (Tamiflu) works against the flu virus, and it's safe to give to toddlers. This allows the second dose to be given by the end of October. Its given to ready the immune system for the second vaccine, which does provide protection. It can take several weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective. The symptoms of flu in toddlers fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and irritability are similar to cold symptoms and can make the flu hard to distinguish from other illnesses. Flu symptoms appear 1 to 4 days after exposure to the virus. The flu is a virus, so antibiotics arent effective. Most importantly for high-risk children, they may also reduce the incidence of complications, including: Children should start taking these medications as quickly as possible after diagnosis, as theyre most effective if started within the first two days of showing symptoms. Cough that gets worse. fever* or feeling feverish/chills. (2014). This is. Getting a flu shot before flu season starts is the best way to keep influenza at bay. Screen time isnt usually recommended for toddlers, but loosening those rules a bit can help encourage rest when a child has the flu. Although toddlers usually recover from influenza without problems, sometimes the flu can cause serious complications. At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. It is common for children under 5 years of age to need medical care. Wash your hands before and after caring for your child. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, using ibuprofen or acetaminophen in pediatrician-recommended dosages, teaching children to cover their mouths when coughing. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526101/, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm, https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_5nzgsffm, https://www.bmj.com/content/355/bmj.i6258, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza/influenza-flu-in-children, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm, https://academic.oup.com/jpids/article/2/4/368/912320, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29655382, https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/3/e684, https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/66/10/1511/4682599. Its OK to ease up on nutrition goals for a few days when your kid is sick. This will give your child the best protection for the flu season. In babies, dehydration can present as a sunken soft spot on the top of the head. (2018). A fever is a sign the body is fighting off an infection. Influenza spreads easily in the cooler months, and toddlers who catch it can be miserable. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. And where an adult might complain of a headache or muscle aches, a toddler might just get grouchy. Your child may not have much of an appetite while they have the flu. Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. What appears to be flu symptoms in toddlers can be signs of other illnesses, such as a cold. What are the symptoms of the flu in a child? This means that people are exposed to new types of the viruses each year. Flu symptoms The World Health Organization warns that seasonal influenza comes on suddenly, unlike a cold. According to the CDC, children are at a higher risk of getting the flu and experiencing complications when they have additional health concerns. Some tips include: Extra naps are helpful when a toddler is fighting the flu and sometimes extra cuddle time is, too. Gellner, C. (2018). An unseasonal early surge of respiratory viruses among babies and . Check with your childs healthcare provider to see which is the best choice for your child. Your child's temperature may go up as high as 103 or 104F in the first few days of illness. When the flu hits your toddler, there probably won't be much doubt that he's not feeling like himself. Children and flu antiviral drugs. About 9% of these patients had flu symptoms last week, up from 7% two weeks ago, according to a county report that also noted an increase in patients with COVID-19 symptoms, though not as fast. These are given at least 28 days apart. Exercise restores brain insulin sensitivity, may protect against type 2 diabetes, Researchers are trialing lab-grown blood transfusions: What to know, Alzheimers disease: New biomarker identified, may lead to earlier diagnosis. If your child falls asleep in your arms, dont feel guilty if you let them sleep there for a while. Try something sweet. Where an adult might have a sore throat, a toddler might just refuse to eat and drink. Other common symptoms may include: It does not cause epidemics. The virus can also live for a short time on surfaces. However, influenza, or flu, can take these aches and pains to a higher, and potentially much more serious level. Fever, which may be as high as 103F (39.4C) to 105F (40.5C) Body aches, which may be severe. Help him breathe easier at night. (The nasal spray flu vaccines for children do contain weak live viruses, but they are still very unlikely to cause a flu infection.). The most helpful over-the-counter (OTC) medications for toddlers with influenza are acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). Get them a hand sanitizer theyll want to use, such as one with a fruity scent or that has a bottle featuring a cartoon character. Fever is one of the most common symptoms of the flu in both adults and kids. A fever is a common symptom of the flu virus, but not everyone who gets the flu will have one. In . If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Theyre often prescribed for children who are only suspected of having the flu, even if a definitive diagnosis hasnt been made. The flu can cause severe symptoms and lead to problems such as pneumonia and even death. Wear a face mask over your nose and mouth. RSV shares many of the same symptoms as the common cold, COVID-19 and the flu: sniffles, a cough and a low-grade fever are common. Here are eight products to help prevent you from getting sick and also to help you feel better if you come down with the flu. Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your childs healthcare provider: Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen. Warm liquids may even help to unclog a stuffy nose. (2022). This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice. In the winter of 2021-22, the flu didnt spread as widely as it usually does but there were still 14 flu deaths in children under 5 years old in the U.S. In some cases, your child may also have symptoms such as: Most children recover from the flu within a week. Make sure he rests. Detecting early flu symptoms can help. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings. Fever above 104F. Possible side effects of the flu vaccine include: Soreness in the arm where the shot was given, Short-term symptoms such as mild headache or a low-grade fever for about 1 day after the shot. This is especially true if they have not had 2 doses of the flu vaccine. The worst days of flu are often days 2 to 4. Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. Try to get him to take naps during the day, plus a long sleep at night. Coughing or wheezing. These symptoms include: In babies, toddlers, and nonverbal children who cant tell you about their symptoms, you may also see increased fussiness and crying. But some children have a more serious illness and may need to be treated in the hospital. Here are some ways you can care for them at home and help improve their recovery. Based upon your childs age and weight, OTC medications, such as ibuprofen (Childrens Advil, Childrens Motrin) and acetaminophen (Childrens Tylenol), can help your child feel better by reducing fever and muscle aches. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe. The flu may also lead to lung infection (pneumonia) or death. Toddlers immune systems are very good at fighting the flu virus, so most of the time medication isn't necessary. Toddlers younger than 5 are at a high risk of complications from the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms between flu and COVID19 can include: Fever or feeling feverish/chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue (tiredness) Sore throat These medications slow or halt the ability of the flu virus to continue reproducing within the body. While its true that some vaccines do contain weak but living viruses, most flu vaccines for children dont. Some children experience side effects from these drugs, such as nausea and vomiting. (n.d.). For example, they dont fight the virus or make the flu go away any faster. Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have started human trials for an experimental universal flu vaccine that has shown promise in animal studies. Learn how to avoid getting the flu and how to recover quickly if you do get the bug. You don't need to get an over-the-counter drug to help your toddler breathe easier when he's got a clogged nose. The flu can lead to a lung infection called pneumonia. We avoid using tertiary references.
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