Children with the flu, called influenza, usually get better at home. However, if the symptoms are severe or persist for a long time, you should go to the hospital for treatment. Certain signs and symptoms indicate the need for treatment to prevent complications. Parents and guardians should be aware of this so that they can act quickly if needed. Here are some symptoms of cold in children. We'll also talk about typical flu symptoms and when to take your child to the hospital.
Recognizing the flu in children.
Influenza is a respiratory disease. This happens when the flu virus infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Flu symptoms in children are similar to adults. They Include:
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- a sore throat
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
The flu is not the same as the common cold. Some important differences between cold and flu symptoms can help parents or caregivers identify the illness affecting their child. These symptoms subside with the common cold. It's also important to note that flu symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. If your child may have COVID-19, it's important to make sure the staff knows before you arrive at the hospital or health center.
When to treat the child.
In most cases, parents or guardians can treat their children for the flu at home. However, when a child has more severe symptoms or symptoms that last longer than usual, he or she may need hospitalization or urgent care for kids.
According to the CDC, if a child has the following symptoms, they need urgent medical treatment:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- The blue color on the lips or face
- Ribs are pulled in with each breath.
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain
- Dehydration - Symptoms in children include not urinating for 8 hours or more, dry mouth, or no tears when crying.
- Fever over 104°F (40°C).
- In infants younger than 12 weeks, any fever that is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- A fever or cough that gets worse or gets better and then comes back.
If parents or caregivers are concerned about any symptoms that do not appear on this list, they should still refer to pediatric urgent care.
