PEDIATRICS
Flu in Children
It can be difficult to watch your child suffer from flu symptoms. Often times parents feel helpless and need some reassurance. Most children with cold or flu do not need to be seen in the emergency department. See the following link from CHEO to help you decide if your little one needs to go to the emergency department:
This is simply a guide to help parents make decisions. If you are concerned for your child's wellbeing, they should always be assessed by a doctor or nurse.
What is the Flu?
The flu (influenza) is an infection caused by a virus, like a cold, but a different type of virus. Flu symptoms are usually worse than cold symptoms and they generally last longer.
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The flu is usually spread in late fall and early winter – we call this Flu Season. The flu is caused by influenza virus A and B. There are different strains of the flu every season and this is why we recommend yearly flu vaccines.
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Antibiotics DO NOT improve the symptoms of the flu.
Symptoms
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Fever
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Body aches, headache
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Dry cough
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Fatigue
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Sore throat
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Decreased appetite
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The symptoms are usually at their worst for the first 3-4 days but it can take 1-2 weeks for the symptoms to completely resolve.
Caring for Your Child at Home
Most children will get better on their own, but sometimes the flu can lead to a bacterial infection like an ear or sinus infection, or pneumonia. If this happens, you may need to bring your child to see a doctor who will determine if they need antibiotics.
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Some children might have a harder time if they catch the flu. This includes young children and those with chronic illnesses, or illnesses affecting their immune system. These children might need antiviral medication and should see a doctor if they develop severe symptoms.
If your child has a uncomplicated flu, they do not necessarily need to see a doctor. There are plenty of things you can do at home to help your child's symptoms.
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Have them drink plenty of fluids; water or Pedialyte are best
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Speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines to treat your child's symptoms. They can guide you on medications that are appropriate for your child's age and weight.
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Stay home! Your child is contagious – if you really need to leave the house, have your child wear a mask to protect others
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Make sure your child gets plenty of rest
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Use saline nasal washes to help clear out mucus and keep your child's nasal passages open
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Use a vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to your child's bedroom
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Provide facial tissues with lotion so your child doesn't develop irritation under their nose from repeated nose blowing
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Elevate your child's head at night with an extra pillow if coughing is keeping them awake
When to Call a Doctor
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Your child is 3 months or younger and has a fever of 38°C (100°F) or higher.
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Their fever doesn't seem to improve when you give them Tylenol or Advil
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Your child develops wheezing
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Their symptoms do not improve within the expected timeframe
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Your child has symptoms of a bacterial lung infection, such as feeling short of breath, or a worsening cough that produces yellow, green, rust-coloured, or bloody mucus
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It is always ok to call your doctor if you are concerned about your child's symptoms, even if it is just for reassurance
Go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1 if your child has any of the following:
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Trouble breathing, or they feel very short of breath. In babies this can be harder to determine - watch for signs of your baby using their abdominal muscles to help them breathe
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Severe headache or neck stiffness, and are confused or having trouble staying awake.
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If you are concerned for your child, it is always ok to bring them in for assessment.
Preventing the Flu
The flu is spread from person to person through:
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Direct contact, like shaking hands with someone
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Tiny droplets, like when someone sneezes or coughs
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Contact with objects that have been touched by someone infected with the flu
There are several things you can do to help prevent the flu:
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Teach your child to wash their hands often
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Teach your child to keep their hands away from their face. The nose, eyes, and mouth are the most likely places for germs to enter your child's body.
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Make sure your child eats well, and gets plenty of sleep and exercise. This keeps their body strong so it can fight the flu.
The flu vaccine is our best defense against influenza. The flu shot CANNOT cause the flu. Your child can experience some mild symptoms after getting the flu shot – this just means their immune system is doing its job.
The vaccine usually prevents most cases of the flu. Some people might still catch it but their symptoms are likely to be much milder if they have been vaccinated.