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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
The flu is an acute, viral, respiratory infection that most people recover from in
Symptoms of the flu in toddlers are similar to those of adults and may include:
When children get the flu, they are also more likely than adults to experience gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
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
- 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.
- Low energy and appetite: Children are typically more lethargic and less hungry with the flu than 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
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
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
- breathing difficulties
- chest pain
- severe dehydration
- confusion
- seizures
- a fever of 104°F or more
- chest pain
- lips or face turning blue
- no improvement with at-home care
A doctor will likely begin the diagnosis of the flu in a toddler by taking a complete medical history and a review of their symptoms. If needed, the doctor will test for the flu by taking a sample of the toddler’s mucus from their nose or throat.
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
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:
The CDC also state that children who are of Native American or Alaskan Native heritage are more likely to experience severe cases of flu than others.
For young children, potential complications are:
- pneumonia
- ear infections
- sinus infections
- seizures
The CDC recommend that everyone, from age
Other
- 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 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.
If a person has concerns about any of the symptoms a toddler has, they should seek medical help.
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