What to Expect When Your Child Has Influenza
Influenza, more commonly known as “the flu,” is a respiratory virus that is highly contagious and is considered to be one of the more common and severe viruses to appear during cold and flu season.
Influenza is spread most frequently through coughing and sneezing. Since the influenza virus can live for a short time on surfaces, its ability to be spread is quite high. High-touch objects like light switches, doorknobs, countertops, and even pens and pencils can be prime sources of contagion. This is especially hard to manage for children who go to school. The influenza vaccination is highly recommended to protect the most vulnerable from severe illness.
Influenza Symptoms in Children and Teens
Influenza is often more intense than the average cold, but the two illnesses share similarities. Influenza symptoms can vary amount babies, children and teens:
- High fever
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Lowered appetite
- Headache
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Flu vs. Cold Symptoms in Children
The flu and a cold can have similar symptoms, but there are a few stark differences between the two. Typically, symptoms of influenza come on quite abruptly and can be fairly incapacitating. The common cold often presents more gradually.
Sore throats and stuffy or runny noses can show up in both viruses, but are often more common with a cold.
Flu vs. COVID-19 in Children
To make matters even more confusing, we now have to consider the COVID-19 virus among our list of illnesses during cold and flu season. COVID-19 can present similarly to a cold or the flu. Some defining symptoms of COVID-19 could be:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of taste or smell
If you’re concerned that your child’s illness is more than a cold, the best way to get answers is to schedule a COVID or flu test at the NHP&P clinic in Omaha, Nebraska.
Pediatric Flu Testing and Treatment in Omaha
Pediatric flu treatment usually focuses on rest, hydration and age-appropriate symptom relief. Parents should consult their child’s healthcare provider before using cough, cold or decongestant medications, particularly for infants and younger children. A provider may recommend antiviral medication in certain circumstances. Some children have a higher risk of developing complications from influenza, including young children and those with certain underlying health conditions. Antiviral medications are not like antibiotics. They have been known to reduce symptoms and shorten the time of illness, while decreasing the risk of complications, such as bacterial pneumonia.
Our Omaha clinic offers flu testing and pediatric evaluations to help determine whether antiviral treatment or supportive care may be appropriate for your child.
How Can Parents Help Prevent the Flu?
Though it can be difficult to avoid, parents and caregivers can take several steps to help protect children and teens from influenza. To lessen your chances of getting the flu, we recommend:
- Cover your nose or mouth when sneezing or coughing
- Clean your hands with warm water and soap regularly
- Use hand sanitizer if hand-washing isn’t an option
- Clean and disinfect home surfaces
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose
- Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms
- Get an annual flu shot
When Should Children Receive a Flu Vaccine?
The influenza vaccine has been around for decades and continues to be one of the most effective methods of flu prevention. Annual influenza vaccination is generally recommended for children 6 months and older, with certain exceptions. Talk with your primary care provider if you have questions about vaccine timing, eligibility or previous reactions. We also recommend scheduling your flu shots by Halloween in order to get the maximum amount of protection from the vaccine.
There are certain cases in which people may not be eligible to receive a flu shot, including:
- Infants under 6 months of age
- People with known vaccine allergies or past reactions
- People who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Does Your Child Need Flu Care or a Vaccine?
Call us today to request a same-day appointment or to speak with a professional who can help you get the answers you need.
Looking for information about influenza in adults? Learn about adult flu symptoms and treatment.