Your guide to preventing and treating the flu in children

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by a viral infection that affects the lungs, mouth and throat. It isn't the same as stomach flu, which is caused by viruses in the gastrointestinal tract.

The flu is very contagious. Coughing, sneezing, or touching your mouth, eyes or nose can spread it. If your child gets the flu, they are contagious 24 hours before their symptoms appear and then for another 5 to 7 days.

Flu prevention tips for kids

The best way to prevent flu in kids is to make sure everyone in your family (over 6 months old) gets a flu shot. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October.

"I tell patients to get their flu shot before flu season begins, because it takes about two weeks for your body to develop antibodies to fight the flu," says Preeti Sharma, M.D., a pulmonologist at Children's Health℠ and Associate Professor at UT Southwestern. "But if you can't get it early, it's always better late than never."

Many kids are afraid of shots, but giving a child positive reinforcement, planning a reward and distracting them from pain during the shot are a few ways to ease a child's fear of shots. Your child may also be able to get nasal spray flu vaccine instead of a shot.

Here are more ways you can help prevent flu in kids and keep your family healthy:

1. Practice good hand hygiene with soap and water or hand sanitizer

2. Clean and disinfect surfaces

3. Teach your child to cough or sneeze into their sleeve or elbow

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs spread this way

5. Avoid close contact with sick people

6. Stay home from school, work and errands when you're sick

Symptoms of the flu

At first, the flu can be easily mistaken for a common cold.

If symptoms come on very quickly, it's more likely to be the flu.

Flu symptoms in children include:

1. Fever, feverish chills or sweats

2. Congestion

3. Stuffy or runny nose

4. Sore throat

5. Coughing

6. Headaches

7. Muscle or body aches

8. Feeling tired and weak

9. Vomiting and diarrhea (although these are more common in adults)

When to go to the hospital for flu

The flu can usually be treated at home with rest and lots of liquids.

If you're concerned about your child's symptoms, call your pediatrician first. They know your child's medical history and specific needs best.

In some cases, flu symptoms or complications can be serious enough that you need to go to the hospital. Very young children and children with chronic diseases like asthma or diabetes are at higher risk of more serious complications.

It's time to go to the ER if your child:

• Has trouble breathing

• Is not responding or interacting with you

• Has a fever with a rash

• Is vomiting a lot

• Won't drink liquids

• Has blue or gray skin

• Appears dehydrated with dry lips, sunken eyes or decreased urination

• Has symptoms like a fever or cough that improve and then return or worsen

Symptoms in newborns can be different from older children.

It's time to go the ER if your newborn:

• Is unable to eat

• Has trouble breathing

• Doesn't have tears when crying

• Is irritable and does not want to be held

• Has significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

Learn more about when to call the doctor and when to take your child to the hospital for the flu.

Learn more

Children's Health Primary Care offers comprehensive health care for children from birth through young adulthood. Our pediatricians combine quality care with evidence-based practice to meet your child’s medical needs. Learn more and find a pediatrician.