The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu symptoms typically appear suddenly and are often more severe than a common cold, including high fever, body aches, fatigue, and a worsening cough. While most children recover within a week, some may experience serious illness requiring hospitalization. Children with the flu generally need supportive care, and medication may be beneficial.
Home Care and Comfort Measures
Supporting a child with the flu at home involves non-medicinal approaches to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery. Adequate rest is important, as it allows the child’s body to focus on fighting the infection. Encouraging plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions, helps prevent dehydration.
A cool-mist humidifier can help soothe a sore throat and relieve nasal congestion and cough. Dressing the child in light, layered clothing allows for easy adjustment during fever or chills. For infants with stuffy noses, saline drops followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe can help clear mucus.
Over-the-Counter Options
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications help manage flu symptoms in children, with fever reducers and pain relievers being primary options. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are commonly used to reduce fever and ease body aches. It is important to administer these medications based on the child’s weight and age, carefully following the instructions on the product label and using the provided measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
Saline nasal sprays are also helpful for alleviating nasal congestion. Cough and cold medicines are generally not recommended for very young children, specifically those under 6 years old, due to potential serious side effects.
Prescription Antiviral Treatments
In some instances, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications for children with the flu, particularly for those at higher risk of complications or if treatment begins early in the illness. These medications work by targeting the influenza virus, aiming to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce its severity. Common examples include oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza).
Oseltamivir is approved for children as young as 14 days old, while baloxavir marboxil is approved for children 5 years and older without chronic medical conditions, and for all children 12 years and older. These are prescription-only medications, and a healthcare provider determines their necessity after assessing the child’s condition. For optimal effectiveness, antivirals should ideally be started within 48 hours of symptom onset, though they can still offer benefits if initiated later, especially for children at high risk.
Key Safety Information
Certain safety precautions are important when treating a child with the flu. Aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but severe illness that can cause brain and liver damage. This caution applies to all aspirin-containing products.
It is important to avoid giving multiple medications with the same active ingredients to prevent accidental overdose. Immediate medical attention is necessary if a child experiences difficulty breathing, bluish lips or skin, severe dehydration (such as no urination for more than eight hours), extreme irritability, or if symptoms worsen or a high fever in infants persists.