Flu affects almost every child from time to time and may sideline even the most active child for a few days. In most cases, children with flu do not require medical attention. However, exceptions exist. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children under five, especially those under two and children with certain kinds of medical problems present the greatest risk of developing flu-related complications. Since children cannot always communicate their symptoms, caregivers need to remain alert to signs that a child has become sick.
Fever
Fever, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) indicates that a person's immune system is fighting an infection. It is also one of the most common symptoms of the flu. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, an oral temperature greater than 102 degrees F indicates flu. Children younger than five should have their temperature taken rectally, advises the AAP. In that case, anything over 100.4 degrees F proves significant. Other systemic symptoms of flu in children include sweating, chills, headache, muscle aches, lack of appetite and lethargy. Signs to look for include fussiness, sleepiness and refusing food or fluids.
Cough
Coughing proves one of the most common symptoms of flu, according to the AAP. However, unlike the cough associated with the common cold and many other conditions, the cough associated with flu is a dry, hacking cough. In some cases, very small amounts of mucus or blood result, however copious amounts of clear, green or yellow mucus suggest something other than flu. In more than 70 percent of children, according to a 2009 article in the "Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infections," this cough occurs a few days later followed by other kinds of respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and in some cases breathing problems. Children with breathing problems require urgent medical attention.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
According to the CDC, some children with the flu will also develop vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases, however, according to the AAFP, these symptoms will develop after other symptoms such as cough and fever become established. Vomiting and diarrhea often accompany abdominal pain and also carry the risk of dehydration, a potentially serious complication. Caregivers of children with flu should become vigilant for signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes or fontanelles (infants), dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output or dark urine and fewer trips to the bathroom or diaper changes. Children exhibiting these signs require medical attention.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Influenza
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Colds and the Flu in Children
- "Clinical Microbiology and Infections;" Dynamics of Clinical Symptoms in a Case with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1); CS Lee and JH Lee; Nov. 13 2009
