Flu (Influenza): Brief Version

The flu (influenza) is caused by a virus. The virus infects the nose, throat, and air passages to the lungs. Your child will probably have a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Your child may have more muscle pain, headache, fever, and chills than if he had a cold. Flu gets spread when people sneeze, cough, or touch something that a sick person touched. If your child is between 6 months and 18 years old, he should get a flu shot.

How can I take care of my child?

• Fever or aches.

  Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil) every 8 hours for discomfort or fever over 102°F (39°C).

  Do not give your child aspirin.

• Cough or hoarseness.

  Give cough drops to your child if he is older than 6 years old. If your child is over 1 year old, you can give him honey (1/2 to 1 teaspoon as needed). Never give honey to babies. If you do not have honey, use corn syrup.

• Sore throat.

  Give hard candy to children over 6 years old. Warm chicken broth may also help children over 1 year old.

• Stuffy nose.

  Put saline (salt water) nose drops into your child's nose. You can buy saline nose drops or spray without a prescription. Then have the child blow his nose or you can use a suction bulb. This will open most blocked noses.

• Fluids

  Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.

• Antiviral Medicines

  These medicines are only prescribed for children at high risk for getting very sick. Not for healthy children.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• Your child has trouble breathing.
• Your child starts to act very sick.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• Your child has other problems such as an earache, sinus pain or pressure, or a fever lasting over 3 days.
• You have other questions or concerns.