Understanding and Preventing Influenza in Children

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. While it affects people of all ages, children are particularly susceptible. As we navigate the flu season in Southern Idaho, it’s crucial for parents to be well-informed about influenza in children, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies. This comprehensive guide aims to provide parents with the necessary knowledge to protect their children from the flu.

 

Influenza Activity in Southern Idaho

Flu season typically peaks around February, but cases can occur as early as October and as late as May. Influenza viruses are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C (https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/influenza-flu-children). Influenza types A and B cause yearly epidemics of respiratory illness during the winter, often leading to increased hospitalizations and deaths. Public health efforts focus on types A and B because they have a greater impact on public health.

This year, Idaho is experiencing a high level of influenza activity, with cases significantly higher than last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths nationwide this season, including at least 57 children (https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-05.html). While specific data for Southern Idaho is limited, reports show an “explosion” of flu cases in the Boise area, with a positivity rate of nearly 50% in some clinics (https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/explosion-of-flu-cases-in-boise-area-whooping-cough-is-soaring-in-idaho/). Wastewater levels for influenza A are also high in Ada County. The predominant strains circulating in Idaho are influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) (https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-05.html). Notably, the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus is well-recognized by the vaccine, while the A(H3N2) virus is not(https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-05.html).

 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Influenza in Children

Influenza symptoms in children often appear suddenly (https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/flu-symptoms-kids-what-parents-need-know). It’s important to differentiate between the flu and a common cold. Flu symptoms generally come on suddenly and are more severe, while cold symptoms develop gradually and are milder (https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/flu-symptoms-kids-what-parents-need-know). The flu can make the whole body feel unwell (https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/influenza-flu-children).

Symptom	Description	Possible Severity
Fever	High fever, often reaching 103°F (39.4°C) to 105°F (40.5°C)	Can be severe
Body aches	Muscle and joint aches and pains	Can be severe
Headache		Common
Sore throat		Common
Cough	Often starts mild but may become severe	Can worsen over time
Runny or stuffy nose		Common
Fatigue	Extreme tiredness that can last for weeks	Can be extreme
Gastrointestinal symptoms	Vomiting and diarrhea	More common in children than adults
Dizziness		Can occur
Tiredness		Can occur
Ear pain		Can occur

 

Treatment Options for Influenza in Children

The primary goal of influenza treatment is to relieve symptoms and support the body’s natural healing process. Treatment options may include:

• Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) can help reduce fever and relieve body aches (https://phoenixchildrens.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Wellness/DiseasesConditions/90,P02514). Important: Never give aspirin to a child with a fever due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome (https://phoenixchildrens.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Wellness/DiseasesConditions/90,P02514).
• Antiviral medications: Your child’s doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), or baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) (https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/flu-symptoms-kids-what-parents-need-know). These medications can lessen symptoms, shorten the duration of illness by 1 to 2 days, and prevent complications (https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/flu-symptoms-kids-what-parents-need-know). Antiviral drugs for children come in the form of pills, liquid, inhaled powder, or intravenous (IV) solution (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/children-antiviral.html). They are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset (https://www.nfid.org/resource/influenza-flu-treatment/), but can still be beneficial if started later, especially in high-risk children (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza/influenza-flu-in-children). Early treatment with antiviral drugs is especially important for children who are at higher risk for flu complications (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/children-antiviral.html). If your child’s provider prescribes oseltamivir capsules and your child cannot swallow capsules, the prescribed capsules may be opened, mixed with a thick sweetened liquid, and given that way (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/children-antiviral.html).
• Supportive care: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest, drinks lots of fluids to stay hydrated, and uses a humidifier or saline spray to relieve nasal congestion (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza/influenza-flu-in-children). Avoid over-the-counter cold and cough medications for children under 6 years old, as they may cause serious side effects (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza/influenza-flu-in-children). Most children recover from the flu within a week (https://phoenixchildrens.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Wellness/DiseasesConditions/90,P02514).

Preventing Influenza in Children

The most effective way to prevent influenza is through annual vaccination (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza/influenza-flu-in-children). The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year, ideally by the end of October (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html). It is important to get the flu vaccine every year because the flu virus changes every year. A new flu vaccine is developed annually to protect against the most common strains expected to be seen that year. .It is highly recommended and free for young children (https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Influenza_(flu)_vaccine/). The flu vaccine cannot cause influenza. People with egg allergies can now get the flu vaccine just like everyone else. They do not need to take any extra precautions.

Vaccination Guidelines for Children

 

• Children 6 months through 8 years getting vaccinated for the first time: They will need two doses of influenza vaccine, administered at least 4 weeks apart (https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Influenza_(flu)_vaccine/).
• Children 6 months through 8 years who have previously received at least two doses: They need only one dose of influenza vaccine (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/vax-summary/vaccine-dosage-admin.html).
• Children 9 years and older: They need only one dose of influenza vaccine (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/vax-summary/vaccine-dosage-admin.html).

 

The flu vaccine usually is available at doctors’ offices, public, employee, and university health clinics, most drugstores, some supermarkets and big-box stores, some community groups or centers, and some schools(https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flu-vaccine.html).

In addition to vaccination, the following preventive measures can help protect your child from the flu:

• Hand hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Placing hand-washing reminders at children’s eye level will also help them become consistent hand washers. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Respiratory etiquette: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (https://phoenixchildrens.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Wellness/DiseasesConditions/90,P02514). If a tissue is not available, they should cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals: Keep your child away from people who are sick, and if your child is sick, keep them home from school or daycare to prevent spreading the flu to others. All household members should also be vaccinated to reduce the chances of your child being exposed to influenza.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and countertops. A flu virus can live for a short time on surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, pens or pencils, keyboards, phones and tablets, and countertops. It can also be passed through shared eating utensils and drinking glasses.

 

Caring for a Child with Influenza at Home

If your child does get sick with the flu, here are some tips on how to care for them at home and prevent the spread of the flu to other members of your household:

• Designate one person as the caregiver: If possible, have one person be the primary caregiver for the sick child to minimize the spread of germs.
• Keep everyone’s personal items separate: Avoid sharing personal items like pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food, or eating utensils unless they have been cleaned between uses.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces: Regularly disinfect doorknobs, light switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys, and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home.
• Wash dishes thoroughly: Wash dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.
• Launder clothes appropriately: Wash the sick child’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would, using detergent and very hot water. Wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
• Wear disposable gloves when necessary: Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.

 

Influenza and Children with Chronic Health Conditions

Children with chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, are at higher risk of developing serious influenza-related complications. It is especially important that these children receive an annual flu vaccine to help prevent the flu and reduce their risk of being hospitalized or dying from flu-related complications (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/parents.htm). If your child has a chronic health condition, talk to your child’s doctor about any specific concerns or recommendations.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most children with the flu recover at home with rest and fluids(. However, it’s essential to seek medical attention if your child experiences any of the following:

• High-risk conditions: Children under 2 years old, or those with chronic medical conditions like asthma or diabetes, are at higher risk for flu complications and should be seen by a doctor.
• Severe symptoms: Seek immediate emergency care if your child shows signs of difficulty breathing, bluish skin color, persistent vomiting, dehydration (no urination in over 8 hours, dry lips, no tears while crying), unresponsiveness, or severe pain.
• Worsening symptoms: If your child’s symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, consult their doctor .
• Possible need for antiviral medication: Antiviral medications are most effective when started early (within 48 hours of symptoms starting), so consult your child’s doctor promptly if you suspect they have the flu.

 

Conclusion

Influenza is a common childhood illness that can cause significant discomfort and, in some cases, serious complications. By understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies, parents can take proactive steps to protect their children from the flu. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent influenza, and practicing good hygiene habits can further reduce the risk of infection.

At Frontier Pediatrics, we offer comprehensive influenza care for children, including flu shots, flu testing, and telehealth consultations. We are committed to providing quality care for children in Twin Falls and helping them stay healthy throughout the flu season. Schedule a flu shot appointment for your child today or contact us with any questions. We are here to support you and your family.