A virus causes influenza. Influenza usually happens in the winter and lasts from 2 to 7 days or longer. Influenza is a more serious illness than a cold.
Some signs of influenza are:
Sometimes, young children may not want to eat because they have an upset stomach. They may vomit and have changes in their bowel movements. Children under five years may not have a fever.
The danger of influenza is that it makes the body weak and open to other infections such as pneumonia, a serious lung infection.
Antibiotics will not stop the influenza virus, but sometimes are needed if the child develops another infection. Anyone can get flu, but some people are more likely than others to get a serious illness with the flu.
Influenza is spread in droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person and can be spread by contact with things that a person with flu has touched or coughed or sneezed on.
Good hand washing habits can prevent the spread of influenza. Staff and children should wash their hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing their noses. Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
About: Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Call your doctor if your child has any of the following signs:
Take your child to the emergency department immediately or call 911 if your child:
Print these pages as featured in the guide book, Sneezes & Diseases: A Resource Book for Caregivers & Parents.