Facts
- Influenza is caused by a virus.
- Most healthy people recover from the flu in 1-2 weeks.
- Young children, senior citizens, and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk from developing severe complications and even death from the flu.
- The flu is spread by respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- The flu can spread 1 day before symptoms begin.
Symptoms
- Sudden onset of fever and chills (high fever may last 7-10 days)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Malaise or body aches
- Cough
- Runny nose and congestion
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Treatments
- The best way to avoid your child getting the flu is to get your child a flu vaccine.
- If your child has the flu, anti-flu medications may decrease the duration of the illness. These medications are most effective if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
- Using acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen will help treat the fever and some of the aches and pains of the flu.
- Your child may not have much of an appetite, but make sure your child is drinking plenty of liquids. Dehydration is common with the flu.
- Never give your child aspirin. Using aspirin in children with a viral illness can cause Reye’s syndrome, which can be fatal.
If you think your child has the flu, call our office at (479)442-7322 or make an appointment online.
Return to the Childhood Illness Guide.
