Self Care Articles

Is this your child's symptom?

• Your child has symptoms of influenza (Flu) and it's in your community
• Main symptoms: fever AND one or more respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, very runny nose)
• Influenza (Flu) is a viral infection
• You think your child has influenza because other family members have it
• You think your child has influenza because close friends have it

Symptoms of Influenza

• Main symptoms are a fever with a runny nose, sore throat, and bad cough.
• More muscle pain, headache, fever, and chills than with usual colds.
• If there is no fever, your child probably doesn't have flu. More likely he has a cold.

Cause of Influenza

• Influenza viruses that change yearly

Diagnosis: How to Know Your Child Has Influenza

• Influenza occurs every year in the fall and winter months. During this time, if flu symptoms occur, your child probably has the flu.
• Your child doesn't need any special tests.
• Call your doctor if your child is High-Risk for complications of the flu. See the list below. These are the children who may need prescription anti-viral drugs.
• For Low-Risk children, usually you don't need to see your child's doctor. If your child develops a possible complication of the flu, then call your doctor. See the "What to Do" section.

High-Risk Children for Complications from Influenza (AAP)

Children are considered High-Risk for complications if they have any of the following:

• Lung disease (such as asthma)
• Heart disease (such as a congenital heart disease)
• Cancer or weak immune system conditions
• Neuromuscular disease (such as muscular dystrophy)
• Diabetes, sickle cell disease, kidney disease or liver disease
• Diseases needing long-term aspirin therapy
• Down's Syndrome
• Pregnancy or severe obesity
• Healthy children under 2 years old are also considered High-Risk (CDC)
• Note: all other children are referred to as Low-Risk in this topic.