Common Symptoms of Influenza

Katy Pediatric Associates Blog Common Symptoms of Influenza

Anyone can get the flu, even children. But do you know what to look for to tell whether your child has the flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children 6 months and older get the flu vaccine. But even with the vaccine, children can still come down with the illness.

In this blog, the health experts at Katy Pediatric Associates discuss the common symptoms of the flu and what you can do to help your child if they get sick.  

A high fever

A sweaty heat that won’t let up could be a sign of the flu. While a fever is often an early influenza symptom, not everyone with the virus will develop one. If your child has a fever, it will likely be 100 degrees or higher. 

Over-the-counter medications may help lower their fever, but check with a doctor first. Antivirals like Tamiflu are more effective if given within the first 48 hours of symptoms. A fever is a good sign in some ways, however, as it means their body is working hard to fight the virus. If your child has periods of chills between heat waves, wrap them in a warm blanket when they get cold.

Body aches and fatigue

Influenza can also bring on sudden and intense achiness and fatigue. It can be easy to write off these common flu symptoms as being due to exhaustion after a long day of play, but if these symptoms accompany others that are associated with the flu, your child may have the illness. The best thing you can have your child do is rest, which will do more than anything else to help the healing process.

Coughing or wheezing

Many people develop a cough or start wheezing when the flu sets in. If your child is prone to respiratory issues, such as asthma, call Katy Pediatric Associates so we can help you prevent possible complications. 

Regardless, keep your child well-hydrated with beverages, such as electrolyte fluids or caffeine-free tea.

Although the flu usually causes similar symptoms in adults and children, with kids you need to be on the lookout for issues that may require medical attention, such as:

It can be difficult to differentiate between cold and flu symptoms in kids, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Katy Pediatric Associates with any questions. With proper care, your child can beat the flu in no time. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.

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