Some common illnesses spike at certain points of the year. In the fall, influenza (flu) is a very common illness. While it usually passes quickly and without medical intervention, the symptoms can really make your kids feel under the weather. In this article, we’re focusing on how to take care of children with the flu, when you should see a pediatrician, and how you can help prevent the spread of the flu.
If you prefer a video over an article, you can watch our educational video Caring for Children During Cold & Flu Season for much of the same information!
How to Take Care of a Child with the Flu
1. Try to Keep Them Hydrated
Offer plenty of clear fluids such as water, clear broths, and pediatric electrolyte drinks to help keep your child hydrated. If your child has the flu, is having a hard time keeping any liquids down, and is not urinating at least once every eight hours, contact your pediatrician. A fever combined with nausea and vomiting can quickly cause dehydration. This dehydration can in turn make a fever even worse. Sweating is the body’s natural response to a fever, and when your body is dehydrated, you can’t cool down as effectively.
2. Help Them Rest by Keeping them Comfortable
Your child gets plenty of sleep and rest. Their body needs extra energy to fight off the virus! Rest is one of the most important factors to help children recover from the flu, and the discomfort from body aches and a fever can make rest difficult. Use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and alleviate body aches. Always follow the recommended dosage for children and consult with a pediatrician if you’re unsure.
3. Prevent the Flu from Spreading in Your Home
Remind your child to practice good hygiene and cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing! If possible, let your child rest in a room on their own away from any other children or people in the home. Isolation is an important part of preventing the spread of the flu. The influenza virus is highly contagious and can be spread by saliva droplets in the air. These droplets can travel as far as SIX FEET when someone coughs or sneezes! (PubMed)
If you hand wash your dishes, you should wash any dishes or utensils used by sick family members separately from other dishes. If you have a dishwasher, you can safely run all the dishes together as long as you choose a high-heat setting.
When to See a Pediatrician for the Flu
Many children recover from the flu without any medical intervention. However, there are situations where seeking medical attention is crucial. Children under 5 years old, especially those younger than 2, are at higher risk for flu-related complications. Always err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms. Contact your pediatrician or seek urgent care immediately if your child experiences:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Bluish face or lips
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain
- Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
- Not alert or interacting when awake
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°F (40°C), or any fever in children younger than 12 weeks
- Fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
How to Prevent the Flu in Children
1. Annual Flu Shot: The flu shot is recommended for children 6 months and older. It’s especially important for children with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems. If other family members in your household are immunocompromised, an annual flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to help protect your family from the flu.
2. Good Hygiene: Teach children to wash their hands frequently and properly. Show them how to use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, and remind them to avoid touching their face. Finally, teach them how to blow their nose and how to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow to prevent spreading the flu.
3. Social Distancing: During flu season, try to keep children away from large crowds or people who are sick. The flu is an airborne illness and masks can be effective at reducing the spread of sickness. For children old enough to wear masks properly, consider using them in crowded or poorly ventilated areas during flu season.
4. Keep Your Kids Home When They are Sick: Keep sick children at home to prevent spreading the flu to others. Not only are sick kids contagious, but it’s also very hard to learn or play at school when they are feeling under the weather. Contact your child’s school to see what their sick policy is and ask if you can take homework assignments home to help keep your child caught up.
Find a Pediatrician in Twin Falls
By understanding the flu, taking preventive measures, and knowing how to care for a child with the flu, parents and caregivers can help minimize the impact of this seasonal illness on their children’s health. If you’re looking for a pediatrician in Twin Falls, Idaho, Frontier Pediatric Partners is here to help! Call our office today or send us a message online to schedule an appointment!