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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Influenza (The Flu)

Influenza is a common viral infection that hits hard in the fall and winter. It is generally more severe than a common cold, but most healthy children recover at home without special medicine.

1

🤧Is it a Cold or the Flu?

If it is flu season (Fall/Winter), suspect the flu if the symptoms hit abruptly and include:

  • The Main Trio: Fever + Cough + Sore Throat/Runny Nose.
  • Body Symptoms: Muscle aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
  • The Difference: If there is no fever, it is likely just a cold.
2

⚠️High-Risk Children (Who Needs Meds?)

Most healthy kids do not need prescription antivirals (like Tamiflu). However, you should call your doctor if your child is considered “High Risk” because they may need medication to prevent complications.

High Risk Categories:

  • Age: Healthy children under 2 years old.
  • Lungs: Asthma or other lung disease.
  • Heart: Congenital heart disease.
  • Chronic: Diabetes, sickle cell, kidney/liver disease, or neuromuscular disease.
  • Immunity: Weak immune system (Cancer, HIV, steroids).
  • Other: Down’s Syndrome, pregnancy, or severe obesity.
3

🚨 When to Get Help

Call 911 Now

  • Severe trouble breathing (struggling for air, can barely speak).
  • Face or lips turn blue.

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

  • Breathing: Fast breathing, wheezing, or ribs pulling in (retractions).
  • Dehydration: No urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears.
  • Fever: >104°F (40°C) OR any fever in a baby under 12 weeks.
  • Pain: Chest pain or severe muscle pain.

Contact in 24hrs

  • Your child is in a High Risk category (see above).
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days or returns after being gone for 24 hours.
  • Earache or sinus pain develops.
  • Child is under 3 months old with a cough.
4

🏠Home Care Advice

If your child is “Low Risk” and has typical flu symptoms, you can treat them at home.

Treating Symptoms

  • Fever: Medicines are not needed for mild fevers. For >102°F or pain, use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil). Never use Aspirin.
  • Cough:
    • Over 1 year: Honey (½ to 1 tsp) works well to thin mucus.
    • Over 6 years: Cough drops.
    • Avoid: OTC cough/cold medicines (not proven effective for young kids).
  • Congestion: Use saline nose drops and suction (bulb syringe) or have the child blow their nose.
  • Sore Throat: Warm fluids (broth), cold treats (popsicles), or hard candy (age 6+).

Fluids

Keep the child well-hydrated to thin mucus and prevent dehydration.

Medication (Antivirals)

Drugs like Tamiflu work best if started within 48 hours. They are usually reserved for high-risk children or severe cases. They shorten the illness by about 1 day but can cause vomiting.

5

🏫Return to School

Your child is contagious. They can return to school when:

  1. The fever has been gone for 24 hours (without meds).
  2. AND they feel well enough to participate.
6

😷Prevention

  • Flu Shot: The best protection. Recommended for everyone over 6 months old.
  • Hygiene: Wash hands often. Cover coughs.
  • Isolation: Avoid close contact with sick people.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.