For the overwhelming majority of children who come down with influenza, it is an uncomplicated viral infection that resolves in 3three to seven days. However, some children develop flu complications, which range in severity. Children younger than age five and those with preexisting medical conditions have a greater risk of flu complications than do other children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 20,000 children are hospitalized in the United States annually with complications of the flu.
Middle Ear Infection
Middle ear infection is a common flu complication in children. When an ear infection develops during a bout with flu, the influenza virus is the most likely culprit. Middle ear infections caused by the influenza virus do not respond to antibiotics, which are only effective against bacteria. CDC advises that viral ear infections--such as those caused by colds or the flu--will resolve on their own.
Sinusitis
Children can develop a viral sinus infection (viral sinusitis) as a complication of the flu. The influenza virus causes swelling of the tissues lining the nose, potentially blocking the sinus openings and causing inflammation. In most cases, the flu virus itself is the cause of the sinus infection. Uncommonly, bacteria may be trapped in the sinuses and cause infection. If your child has a persistent fever and thick yellow or greenish nasal mucus after other symptoms of the flu have gone away, she may have bacterial sinusitis.
Influenza Viral Pneumonia
Although influenza viruses typically attack the tissues of the nose and throat, the virus can attack the lungs, causing influenza viral pneumonia. Symptoms include abnormally rapid or labored breathing. Look for a bluish tint to the skin, which is usually most noticeable around the lips and in the nails. Another sign that your child's lungs may be affected is a progressive worsening of his cough. If your child develops any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. Significant breathing problems are a medical emergency; call 911.
Bacterial Pneumonia
An uncommon flu complication in children is bacterial pneumonia. Often the child seems to be getting better and then suddenly gets worse with high fever, chills and worsening cough. As with viral pneumonia, she may have difficulty breathing and exhibit blueness around the mouth. If your child has the flu and takes a turn for the worse, call your doctor immediately. With significant breathing difficulties, call 911. Most children admitted to the hospital with influenza stay only briefly and recover without long-term consequences. However, CDC reports that 4 percent to 11 percent of children hospitalized with flu complications require treatment in the intensive care unit.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Influenza
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Key Facts About Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Know When Antibiotics Work--Ear Infections
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Know When Antibiotics Work--Sinus Infections
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 2009 H1N1 Flu ("Swine Flu") and You
