In the December 2009 edition of "Pediatric Nursing," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiologists Anna Bramley, MPH, Joseph Bresee, MD and Lyn Finelli, DrPH, CPNP explain that child flu symptoms vary by age. Older children exhibit flu symptoms similar to those seen in adults. Younger children, especially infants, are the most difficult to diagnose. However, they also face the greatest risks of flu-related complications.
Fever
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children with flu develop fever of at least 101 degrees F. However, the absence of fever does not exclude the diagnosis of flu. Infants, in particular, are less likely to mount a fever in response to infection. In addition, all children are more likely than adults to experience febrile seizures.
Cough
Although more than 90 percent of adults develop dry cough, only about two-thirds of children do, note Bramley and colleagues. In addition, younger children are also more likely to suffer from nasal congestion and runny nose that produces copious amounts of clear, thin mucus.
Pain
Similarly, says Bramley, less than half of children complain of headaches and less than a quarter complain of muscle pain, although both are prominent symptoms in adults. In children too young to talk, parents and caregivers should look for unusual fussiness and resistance to soothing as evidence of pain.
Sore Throat
Nearly half of children with flu complain of sore throat, according to Bramley. In most cases, throat pain is much more severe than visual inspection of the throat would suggest. In children too young to talk, caregivers should look for indirect signs, such as refusal to drink and decreased appetite.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Bramley and colleagues report that about 28 percent of children vomit and 12 percent have diarrhea related to flu. In most cases, vomiting and diarrhea present a day or two later than respiratory symptoms and are usually mild in comparison. Althought 54 percent of children complain of decreased appetite, caregivers must continue to push fluids in order to prevent dehydration, which is a common reason for hospitalization in younger children.
References
- "Pediatric Nursing;" Pediatric Influenza; A.M. Bramley et al.; December 2009
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Influenza
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th edition;" A.S. Fauci et al. (eds); 2008
