The flu, a common infection caused by a virus, can affect both children and adults. The symptoms of the flu in children are typically more severe and can last longer than adult flu symptoms. Approximately 20,000 children aged 5 and younger are hospitalized each year due to complications from the flu, report health officials at the Department of Health and Hospitals in Metairie, Louisiana. If you notice the appearance of the symptoms of the flu in your child, contact your pediatrician to receive further evaluation and care.
Fever and Chills
Your child can develop a fever or chills if he is infected by the flu. Medline Plus, a medical website provided as a service of the National Institutes of Health, explains that the flu can cause fever symptoms that range between 102 and 106°F. Children with the flu typically develop higher fevers than adults with this infection. If your child has the flu, she can begin to complain that she feels hot and may prefer to sleep on top of her covers. Chill symptoms can cause your child to feel cold, even if his skin feels warm to the touch. Fever due to the flu may lead to addition symptoms, including headache or dizziness, and can persist for up to five days.
Coughing or Sore Throat
The flu virus can cause symptoms of coughing or sore throat to arise in some children. If these symptoms develop, your child may tell you that his chest hurts or that it is painful for him to swallow or talk. You can also notice that your child isn't interested in eating her favorite snack or meal due to a decreased appetite.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is a common symptom of the flu and can interfere with your child's ability to breathe through his nose normally. Your child may repeatedly sniff or blow her nose to clear congestion from her nasal passageways. You may also notice that your child's nose appears red or irritated. A child experiencing nasal congestion due to the flu virus may also frequently rub or scratch at her nose, which can further contribute to nasal redness or irritation.
Head or Body Aches
The flu virus can cause your child to experience mild aches and pains throughout his body. Your child can complain that his head hurts or may explain that he doesn't feel well or that his arms or legs hurt.
Fatigue
If your child develops the flu, she can appear abnormally tired or lethargic. She may take frequent naps throughout the day or go to bed earlier than usual without fussing.
Stomach Upset
Symptoms of stomach upset due to the flu virus are more common in children than adults. Your child can complain that his stomach hurts (nausea) or may begin vomiting. Children with the flu can also develop diarrhea, which can contribute to abdominal bloating or cramping. These symptoms may cause your child to use the bathroom more frequently or spend more time in the bathroom than usual.
