The influenza virus can affect everyone, including children. Because the flu is caused by a virus, it is often left to run its course. Treating the symptoms can help provide a child with some relief. In moderate to severe cases of the flu, an antiviral medication may be administered. Receiving the annual flu vaccine can reduce the risk of contracting the infection or at least reducing the severity of the symptoms.
Fever
A fever in a child with the flu can reach temperatures over 103 degrees F. The National Institutes of Health points out that a temperature up to 106 degrees is possible and a fever in children with the flu is often higher than that of an adult. WIth the fever the child can have chills and sweats. In very young infants, a temperature over 100 degrees is often considered to be a medical emergency. Caregivers should consult the child's pediatrician to determine what temperature is considered to be dangerously high for the child's age.
Pain
Older children who can talk often report a headache and other body aches. The pain is most often in the back, arms and legs. Younger children who can't talk are likely to be overly fussy. They may arch the back or cry even when held due to the pain felt throughout the body.
Reduced Energy
Fatigue is one symptom of the flu that sets it apart from a cold. While a child may be tired with a cold, it will be significantly greater with the flu. Infants and children may appear to have little interest in playing or interacting. An infant may be difficult to wake. Children of all ages will often sleep much more frequently while ill with the flu.
Stomach Symptoms
Some children will develop diarrhea and vomiting with the flu. This and generally feeling ill can lead to the child having minimal appetite.
Cold-Like Symptoms
The flu is hard to differentiate from the common cold at first. They share symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing and sometimes trouble breathing. A child with the flu will appear to be genuinely ill, including paleness and even sunken eyes. The Mayo Clinic warns that if the child has difficulty breathing emergency medical treatment is necessary.
