Influenza (Flu) in Children

Home care, prevention, and when to seek care

MEDICALLY REVIEWED - APPROVED FOR WEBSITE PUBLICATION

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare
2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611  |  559-538-3070

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It often begins suddenly, with fever, chills, body aches, headache, marked tiredness, cough, and sore throat. Children can have vomiting or diarrhea as well. Many children recover at home, but flu can become serious, especially in young children and children with certain health conditions.

Urgent warning signs - check this first

Call 911 now for severe trouble breathing, blue or gray lips or face, a child who is limp or unresponsive, a seizure, or another life-threatening emergency.

  • Get emergency medical care now for ribs pulling in with each breath, fast or difficult breathing, chest pain, severe muscle pain that makes a child refuse to walk, severe weakness, confusion, or difficulty waking the child.

  • Seek urgent care for signs of dehydration: no urine for about 8 hours, very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or inability to keep fluids down.

  • A baby younger than 3 months (12 weeks) with a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher needs prompt medical evaluation.

When to contact your child's healthcare professional today

  • Your child is younger than 5 years, especially younger than 2 years, or has asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, a neurologic condition, a weakened immune system, or another condition that increases flu risk.

  • Symptoms are severe, getting worse, or improve and then return with fever or a worse cough.

  • Fever lasts more than 3 days, your child has ear pain, breathing symptoms, or you are concerned about pneumonia or another complication.

  • Call as early as possible if flu is suspected. Prescription antiviral medicine may be especially important for children at higher risk or with severe or progressive illness. It works best when started early, ideally within 48 hours, but can still help some children when started later.

Home care for a child who is breathing comfortably

  • Offer frequent fluids. Small, frequent sips may be easier than large amounts. Urination, alertness, and drinking are useful signs to follow.

  • Rest, quiet activity, and comfort are appropriate. Appetite may be lower for a few days; drinking matters most in the short term.

  • For fever or discomfort, use only a medicine and dose recommended for your child by their own healthcare professional or an authoritative dosing resource. Never give aspirin to a child or teenager.

  • Antibiotics do not treat influenza because flu is caused by a virus. A clinician may recommend them only if a separate bacterial infection is suspected.

  • Avoid tobacco and vape exposure, which can irritate breathing passages and worsen respiratory symptoms.

Flu antivirals

Antiviral medicines are prescriptions, not over-the-counter products. A clinician can decide whether treatment is appropriate based on your child's age, health conditions, severity of illness, and how long symptoms have been present. Do not use someone else's prescription or leftover medicine.

Prevention

  • Everyone age 6 months and older should receive influenza vaccine every season unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise. Children younger than 6 months are too young to be vaccinated.

  • Some children ages 6 months through 8 years need two doses in a season. Ask the child's healthcare professional or vaccine provider which schedule applies.

  • Vaccinating household members and caregivers helps protect babies who are too young to be vaccinated and children at higher risk.

  • Handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home while acutely ill help reduce spread. Follow school or child-care policies and current public-health guidance for return.

Related topics on this website

Sources and medical review

Sources checked: August 14, 2026  |  Medical review completed: August 14, 2026