If your child has fever, a sore throat and a pesky cough, it could be any number of illnesses, or it could be the flu, a respiratory infection caused by the contagious influenza virus. Other illnesses, such as the common cold, might have similar symptoms, cautions the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, there are specific signs that indicate a bout of the flu---including a sudden onset of symptoms, rather than a slow build.
Fever and Aches
A child who gets the flu will probably have a fever; besides coming out of nowhere, it's usually quite high---up to 104° F---and often accompanied by chills, a headache or body aches. He'll also probably be extremely tired, and might be hard to rouse from sleep. He may also be irritable, not want to interact, and resist being held. Since children are in a high-risk category for flu complications, call his doctor if you're worried about these symptoms. He needs to be tested within the first three days if you'd like a definite confirmation of the flu over other illnesses.
Respiratory Symptoms
The flu goes hand-in-hand with some cold-like symptoms that accompany many illnesses: a sore throat, a cough, and a stuffy or runny nose. She may have trouble breathing, or be breathing faster than normal, and sometimes you might see a bluish tint to the skin. In some kids, the flu can lead to further complications like sinus problems, bacterial pneumonia, ear infections or dehydration. If your child has a chronic medical condition like asthma or diabetes, the flu can also make it worse.
Digestive Symptoms
A child with the flu is much more likely than an adult to have symptoms related to the digestive system, such as vomiting and diarrhea. His appetite and thirst will also be decreased, but it's important to keep him hydrated and nourished, even if he'll only eat soup broth or popsicles.
