Children are up to three times more likely to get the flu than adults, according to FluFacts.com. Children tend to be more susceptible to the flu for two reasons. First, they are in close contact with other children on a daily basis at school or day care. Second, children's immune systems have not built up a resistance to the flu virus in the same way adults have. These two factors leave children ages 6 to 10 the most vulnerable to the flu. Symptoms of the flu in children need to be discussed with a doctor.
About
According to BabyCenter, it can be difficult to determine whether a child has the flu or the common cold. The flu typically comes on quickly with a sudden fever and upper-respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose and nasal congestion. The flu is highly contagious and is most commonly at its peak during the winter months, according to KidsHealth.
Symptoms
According to KidsHealth, the most common symptoms in a child with the flu are cough, fever, chills, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, muscle aches, loss of appetite, tiredness, nasal congestion and ear pain. Younger children will show signs such as lethargy and sleepiness, according to BabyCenter. Flu symptoms in children may be the cause of another medical condition and need to be evaluated by a doctor.
Treating Symptoms
Treatment for the flu in children will address the symptoms of the flu and not the virus itself. The best treatment is to allow the immune system to fight off the viral infection by having the child rest, drink more liquids and eat small, light meals. KidsHealth states that giving children acetaminophen is recommended to treat fever and body aches. Speak with a pediatrician before giving the child any medication.
Troubling Symptoms
BabyCenter states that if the child is older than 6 months and develops a fever over 103 degrees, call the doctor. Other troubling children flu symptoms include a fever lasting for more than three days, a progressively worsening cough, signs of an earache, asthma-like symptoms, recurring sickness after getting better and signs of dehydration.
Consideration
Children who are vaccinated annually with the flu vaccine are less likely to get the flu, according to KidsHealth. Speak with the pediatrician about the possible risks and complications from vaccinations. Keep children away from other sick children and teach them how to properly wash their hands.
