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Nov 14, 2022 · Feel much more tired than usual, sleep more, and do a lot less activity. Sore throat. Dry cough. Stuffy or runny nose. Feel achy or have chills. Throw up or have diarrhea. Feel much sicker than...
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Difference between cold and flu symptoms
- Treatment
- When to see the doctor
- Risk factors
- Prevention
- Outlook
Toddlers can experience numerous colds each year before they start school. However, influenza, or flu, can take these aches and pains to a higher, and potentially much more serious level.
It is common for very young children to experience illness many times each year due to their developing immune systems and a tendency to put everything into their mouths.
According to research, an average of 8% of the United States population gets the flu each year, and children are the most likely to get the disease.
Flu season in the U.S. usually begins in October with flu activity most common between December and February.
The flu is an acute, viral, respiratory infection that most people recover from in 3–7 days.
Symptoms of the flu in toddlers are similar to those of adults and may include:
•dry cough
•sore throat
•blocked or runny nose
•fever
What appears to be flu symptoms in toddlers can be signs of other illnesses, such as a cold. Knowing what is causing a child’s illness helps adults provide better care, promotes a better recovery, and reduces the risk of complications.
The following are key differences between cold and flu symptoms in toddlers:
•Speed of onset: If symptoms come on very quickly, it is more likely to be the flu.
•Fever and chills: A high fever and chills are more likely to be signs of the flu.
•Muscle aches: Aching muscles are more common in children with the flu.
•Headache: Headaches are more frequently with the flu than with a cold.
Children will typically recover in a week, but they may still feel tired for roughly 3–4 weeks. Key elements of successful home treatment include:
•getting plenty of rest
•drinking lots of fluids
•using ibuprofen or acetaminophen in pediatrician-recommended dosages
People should never treat a child’s fever with aspirin due to its connection to Reye’s syndrome.
A doctor can offer treatment if it is needed. Toddlers who may be at risk of serious complications can take flu antiviral medication. However, this treatment is most effective if the child receives it within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.
It is common for children under 5 years of age to need medical care. If someone is concerned about a child’s symptoms, they should consider taking them to see a doctor. Studies indicate 10–15% of children in the U.S. seek medical treatment each year because of the flu.
Seek medical attention without delay if any of the following symptoms develop:
•breathing difficulties
•chest pain
•severe dehydration
•confusion
Even though most toddlers will recover quickly and without complications, the flu can be dangerous for some young children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children aged 6 months to 5 years face a significant risk of developing complications due to the flu.
The illness results in between 7,000–26,000 child admissions to the hospital every year. Although it is very rare, the flu can be fatal for some children.
According to the CDC, children are at a higher risk of getting the flu and experiencing complications when they have additional health concerns. These concerns include:
•asthma
•diabetes
The CDC recommend that everyone, from age 6 months and above, gets a flu shot every year. Some young children may need two shots to receive full immunity.
Other prevention tactics include:
•washing hands regularly
•keeping all surfaces clean
•teaching children to cover their mouths when coughing
•using tissues after sneezing
Although the flu can be dangerous for some, most toddlers will recover from the flu in a week or less. They can remain contagious for up to 1 week or longer after becoming sick.
A child should be free from fever for at least 24 hours before it is safe for them to return to nursery or childcare. However, some schools or childcare providers may have other specific rules.
Common symptoms of the flu in babies and toddlers include: Fever. Dry cough. Sore throat. Runny or stuffy nose. Muscle aches and pains. Headache. Exhaustion. Chills. Loss of appetite. Dizziness. Occasionally nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Keep in mind that some of these symptoms mirror those of COVID-19.
In babies, toddlers, and nonverbal children who can’t tell you about their symptoms, you may also see increased fussiness and crying. Is it a cold or the flu? The common cold and the flu...
It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. But some children have a more serious illness and may need to be treated in the hospital. The flu may also lead to lung infection (pneumonia) or death.
Aug 1, 2023 · The symptoms of the flu in toddlers — fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and irritability — are similar to cold symptoms and can make the flu hard to distinguish from other illnesses. Although most toddlers recover from the flu in about a week, it’s important to watch for signs of more serious problems like trouble breathing and dehydration.
