What is the flu?

The flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat, windpipe, and bronchi that occurs every winter. The main symptoms are a runny nose, sore throat, and nagging cough. Usually there's more muscle pain, headache, fever, and chills than seen with colds.

What causes the flu?

Flu is caused by influenza viruses. Flu viruses change yearly, which is why people can get the flu every year. The virus is spread by sneezing, coughing, and hand contact. It spreads rapidly because the incubation period is only 24 to 36 hours and the virus is very contagious.

How can I take care of my child?

The treatment of flu depends on a child's main symptoms and is no different from the treatment for other viral respiratory infections. Bed rest is not necessary.

• Fever or aches

  Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil) every 8 hours for discomfort or fever over 102°F (39°C). Children and adolescents who may have influenza should never take aspirin because it may cause Reye's syndrome.

• Cough or hoarseness

  For children over age 6 give cough drops. If your child is over 1 year of age, give honey (1/2 to 1 teaspoon as needed). Never give honey to babies. If honey is not available, you can use corn syrup.

• Sore throat

  Use hard candy for children over 6 years old. Warm chicken broth may also help children over 1 year old.

• Stuffy or blocked nose

  Warm-water or saline nosedrops and suction (or nose blowing) will open most blocked noses. Use nasal washes at least four times a day or whenever your child can't breathe through the nose. You can buy saline spray without a prescription. Saline nosedrops can also be made by adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup (8 oz) of warm water.

How long will the flu last?

The fever lasts 2 to 3 days, the runny or stuffy nose 1 to 2 weeks, and the cough 2 to 3 weeks.

Your child may return to day care or school after the fever is gone and he feels up to it.

Who are high-risk children?

Children are considered high-risk for complications if they have the following conditions:

• Lung disease, such as asthma
• Heart disease, such as a congenital heart disease
• Muscle disease, such as muscular dystrophy
• Metabolic disease, such as diabetes
• Sickle cell disease
• Renal disease, such as nephrotic syndrome
• Cancer or immune system conditions
• Diseases requiring long-term aspirin therapy.

Does my child need antiviral medicine?

Antiviral medicines must be started within 48 hours of the start of influenza symptoms to have any effect. They only reduce the time your child is sick by 1 or 2 days. They do not cure the disease nor remove all the symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends they be used for all high-risk children. Healthcare providers vary in their opinions about the value of prescribing antiviral drugs for healthy children with influenza. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

Does my child need a flu shot?

Yearly flu shots are the best way to prevent the spread of influenza and are recommended for children over 6 months of age. These children often have complications from influenza, such as pneumonia. Parents and siblings of high-risk children should also get a flu shot.

Children younger than 9 years of age who are getting the influenza vaccine for the first time or who were vaccinated for the first time during the previous flu season but only received 1 dose should receive 2 doses (separated by at least 4 weeks).

As an alternative to a shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) may be given to healthy children over the age of 2 years old.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call IMMEDIATELY if:

• Your child is having trouble breathing.
• Your child starts to act very sick.

Call during office hours if:

• Your child develops any complications such as an earache, sinus pain or pressure, or a fever lasting over 3 days.
• You have other questions or concerns.