Influenza, Pediatric

Influenza, also called "the flu," is a viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory tract. This includes the lungs, nose, and throat. The flu spreads easily from person to person (is contagious). It causes symptoms similar to the common cold, along with high fever and body aches.

What are the causes?

• Breathing in droplets that are in the air from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
• Touching something that has the virus on it (has been contaminated) and then touching his or her mouth, nose, or eyes.

What increases the risk?

• Does not wash or sanitize hands often.
• Has close contact with many people during cold and flu season.
• Touches the mouth, eyes, or nose without first washing or sanitizing his or her hands.
• Does not get a yearly (annual) flu shot.

• Has a weakened disease-fighting system (immune system). This includes children who have HIV or AIDS, are on chemotherapy, or are taking medicines that reduce (suppress) the immune system.
• Has a long-term (chronic) illness, such as a liver or kidney disorder, diabetes, anemia, or asthma.
• Is severely overweight (morbidly obese).

What are the signs or symptoms?

• Fever and chills.
• Headaches, body aches, or muscle aches.
• Sore throat.
• Cough.
• Runny or stuffy (congested) nose.
• Chest discomfort.
• Poor appetite.
• Weakness or fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.

How is this diagnosed?

• Your child's symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Swabbing your child's nose or throat and testing the fluid for the influenza virus.

How is this treated?

If the flu is diagnosed early, your child can be treated with antiviral medicine that is given by mouth (orally) or through an IV. This can help reduce how severe the illness is and how long it lasts.

In many cases, the flu goes away on its own. If your child has severe symptoms or complications, he or she may be treated in a hospital.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.
• Do not give your child aspirin because of the association with Reye's syndrome.

Eating and drinking

• Make sure that your child drinks enough fluid to keep his or her urine pale yellow.
• Give your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS), if directed. This is a drink that is sold at pharmacies and retail stores.
• Encourage your child to drink clear fluids, such as water, low-calorie ice pops, and fruit juice mixed with water. Have your child drink slowly and in small amounts. Gradually increase the amount.
• Continue to breastfeed or bottle-feed your young child. Do this in small amounts and frequently. Gradually increase the amount. Do not give extra water to your infant.
• Encourage your child to eat soft foods in small amounts every 3–4 hours, if your child is eating solid food. Continue your child's regular diet. Avoid spicy or fatty foods.
• Avoid giving your child fluids that have a lot of sugar or caffeine, such as sports drinks and soda.

Activity

• Have your child rest as needed and get plenty of sleep.
• Keep your child home from work, school, or daycare as told by your child's health care provider. Unless your child is visiting a health care provider, keep your child home until his or her fever has been gone for 24 hours without the use of medicine.

General instructions

• Have your child:
  • Cover his or her mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash his or her hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, have your child use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Use a cool mist humidifier to add humidity to the air in your home. This can make it easier for your child to breathe.
  • When using a cool mist humidifier, be sure to clean it daily. Empty the water and replace it with clean water.
• If your child is young and cannot blow his or her nose effectively, use a bulb syringe to suction mucus out of the nose as told by your child's health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Have your child get an annual flu shot. This is recommended for every child who is 6 months or older. Ask your child's health care provider when your child should get a flu shot.
• Have your child avoid contact with people who are sick during cold and flu season. This is generally fall and winter.

Contact a health care provider if your child:

• Develops new symptoms.
• Produces more mucus.
• Has any of the following:
  • Ear pain.
  • Chest pain.
  • Diarrhea.
  • A fever.
  • A cough that gets worse.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
• Is not drinking enough fluids.

Get help right away if your child:

• Develops difficulty breathing.
• Starts to breathe quickly.
• Has blue or purple skin or nails.
• Will not wake up from sleep or interact with you.
• Gets a sudden headache.
• Cannot eat or drink without vomiting.
• Has severe pain or stiffness in the neck.
• Is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).

Summary

• Influenza, also called "the flu," is a viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory tract.
• Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by his or her health care provider. Do not give your child aspirin.
• Keep your child home from work, school, or daycare as told by your child's health care provider.
• Have your child get an annual flu shot. This is the best way to prevent the flu.