Influenza in children: Check for initial symptoms, causes

Influenza in children is a viral respiratory infection transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or contact with bodily fluids. There are three main strains A, B, and C.
Symptoms of influenza in children include high fever, body aches, headache, persistent cough, fatigue, runny nose, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, and chills.
Prevention methods for influenza in children include frequent handwashing with soap, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, cleaning frequently touched objects and surfaces, getting the quadrivalent influenza vaccine, regularly separating personal items, eating nutritious food, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly.

Influenza in children is a condition that parents should watch out for, as it may superficially resemble a common cold, but in reality, it is more severe. Key symptoms include a sudden high fever exceeding 38°C, cough, body aches, and fatigue. It commonly spreads during the rainy and winter seasons. The initial response when children show symptoms is to keep them home from school immediately and isolate them in a separate room for 5-7 days to reduce the spread of infection. They should be given frequent wipes down and encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. If the child becomes lethargic or their condition does not improve, take them to a doctor immediately to receive antiviral medication within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. This article will guide you on how to properly manage influenza symptoms in children for targeted treatment and prevention of potential complications.

What is the flu in children?

Influenza in children is a viral respiratory infection transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or contact with bodily fluids. While it may resemble a common cold, it is significantly more severe. Children typically experience a sudden high fever, body aches, and respiratory symptoms. If left untreated, dangerous complications such as pneumonia can develop.

What causes influenza in children?

It is caused by infection with the Influenza Virus, especially strains A (H1N1, H3N2) and B, which are the main groups currently circulating.
Transmission occurs through droplets from coughing and sneezing, or through contact with bodily fluids (mucus, saliva) contaminated on objects such as toys or doorknobs, and then the virus is introduced into the body through touching the face.
Young children aged 6 months to 5 years are at the highest risk of infection and often experience more severe symptoms than older children.
Environments conducive to outbreaks include crowded places with many children, such as preschools or daycare centers, where the virus spreads rapidly due to close contact and sharing of objects.

How many strains of influenza are there?

Strain A is the most severe and dangerous because it mutates easily and rapidly, leading to widespread outbreaks. Common subtypes include H1N1 and H3N2.
Strain B is found only in humans and is generally less severe than strain A. It is divided into two main families Victoria and Yamagata.
Strain C causes only mild illness and does not cause major outbreaks like other strains.

How is the flu transmitted in children?

Direct contact Infection occurs through handshakes or direct contact with an infected person, after which the child may rub their eyes, pick their nose, or touch their face with contaminated hands.
Airborne droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze can spread the virus through the air within a radius of approximately 6 feet.
Handling contaminated toys The virus can cling to personal items or toys shared by children, such as drinking cups, towels, or toys in daycare centers.
Being in crowded places or areas with poor ventilation increases the chance of infection.

What are the symptoms of the flu in children?

High fever
Body aches
Headache
Chronic cough
Easy fatigue
Runny nose, nasal congestion
Nausea
Vomiting
Chills

Symptoms that require parents to take their child to the doctor

Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
Lethargy, refusal to eat or drink
Severe ear pain
Rash
Seizures
Persistent vomiting

How does influenza in children differ from the common cold?

	Common cold	Influenza
cause	More than 200 types of common respiratory viruses (such as Rhinovirus).	Influenza virus type A or B, especially in young children.
Main symptoms	- Low-grade fever or no fever - Runny nose, nasal congestion - Mild sore throat - Mild fatigue - Resolves on its own in 3-7 days	- Sudden high fever (38-40°C) - Muscle aches, severe headache - Dry cough, severe sore throat - Severe fatigue, may experience vomiting and diarrhea (in children) - May lead to pneumonia in young children
Protection	- Wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask. - Avoid sick people. - Drink warm water. Get enough rest.	- Get annual vaccinations for children 6 months and older. - Wash hands, wear a mask, and avoid crowds. - Eat balanced meals and get enough rest.
Treatment	- Treat symptoms (fever reducers, paracetamol, decongestants) - Drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest. - There is no specific antiviral medication.	- Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir should be started within 48 hours. - Treat symptoms reduce fever, rest. - See a doctor immediately if high fever persists or if breathing becomes difficult.

What are some complications of influenza in children?

Middle ear infection
Sinusitis
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Difficulty breathing, abnormally rapid breathing, shortness of breath
Severe and persistent coughing
Noticeable lethargy, difficulty responding
Seizures or convulsions due to excessively high fever
Chest pain, abnormally rapid heartbeat, cold and pale skin
Low blood pressure, which may be a dangerous sign of shock
High fever lasting more than 3-5 days, or a fever that subsides but then returns with more severe symptoms

Influenza Diagnosis in Children

Initial assessment focuses on high fever lasting 3-7 days, accompanied by dry cough, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, or runny nose. This should be considered in conjunction with a history of contact with an infected person or being in an outbreak area.
Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) is used, collecting nasal or throat swabs. Results are available within 15-30 minutes, allowing doctors to make the most effective decision to initiate antiviral medication, such as Oseltamivir, within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is the most accurate method for detecting viral genetic material. It can identify major strains such as A (H1N1, H3N2) and B strains with greater detail and clarity than other test types.

How to Treat Flu in Children

Relieve symptoms, such as using a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe the body to help dissipate heat and lower body temperature.
Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever and body aches as needed. However, never use aspirin in children.
Ensure adequate fluid intake. Sip plain or warm water frequently to help soothe a sore throat and prevent dehydration.
Provide adequate rest. Create a suitable environment to allow the child to sleep and rest fully.

How to Prevent Flu in Children

Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after returning from public places.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of viruses.
Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Children should receive the quadrivalent flu vaccine annually, especially before the rainy or winter season, to build immunity.
Use separate personal items such as spoons, forks, cups, and toys to prevent the spread of viruses.
Eat nutritious food.
Get enough rest.
Exercise regularly.

Treating Influenza in Children at Vibhavadi Hospital

If you observe symptoms such as sudden high fever, muscle aches, dry cough, and lethargy, you should take your child to see a doctor as soon as possible at the Pediatric and Children's Disease Center, Vibhavadi Hospital, to prevent the symptoms from worsening. Early prevention of influenza in children through vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk of infection.

Summary

Influenza in children is caused by the Influenza virus, which is more severe than the common cold. It is easily transmitted through droplets from coughing and sneezing, or through contact with contaminated objects. Symptoms include sudden high fever, body aches, and fatigue. Seek immediate medical attention for diagnosis and antiviral medication within 48 hours to prevent complications such as pneumonia. Initial care should focus on rest, drinking warm water, and wiping the body to reduce fever. Prevention includes vaccination against four strains of the flu virus, along with maintaining good hygiene, frequent hand washing, and avoiding crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.
If you are interested in health checkups or influenza vaccinations, whether for children or adults, or anyone looking for a general health checkup, you can find information at Vibhavadi Hospital. Equipped with modern medical equipment and expert physicians, we help make good health easy every day.

FAQ

Generally, children with the flu experience a high fever that persists for about 3-7 days and can recover completely within 1-2 weeks.

Children infected with influenza B typically experience a rapid onset of symptoms, including sudden high fever accompanied by chills, aches and pains, fatigue, and more severe respiratory symptoms than a common cold. Young children may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Influenza in children is more severe and dangerous than the common cold, especially in young children and vulnerable groups with weakened immune systems. They are at risk of complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, or febrile seizures, and it can even be fatal if not closely monitored.

After infection with the flu virus, symptoms usually appear rapidly within 1-4 days, or an average of only 2-3 days.

Treatment for children with the flu primarily involves paracetamol to reduce fever and relieve pain. However, for severe cases or high-risk groups, other medications may be prescribed. Doctors may prescribe the antiviral medication Oseltamivir, which should be taken within the first 48 hours for best results. Aspirin should never be used.

Influenza A is more severe and widely spread because it mutates easily and infects both humans and animals, while strain B is found only in humans and usually has milder symptoms. Although both strains present with similar symptoms of high fever and body aches, strain A carries a higher risk of serious complications such as pneumonia.

People with the flu should rest and quarantine for at least 7 days, or until their fever has subsided for at least 24 hours to prevent the spread of infection. They should also wear a mask, wash their hands frequently, and use separate personal belongings for safety.

Eating nutritious and well-cooked food using serving spoons can help the body recover faster from the flu. In particular, choosing fruits high in vitamin C, such as guava, apples, or berries, can be beneficial.