Flu in Children WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Flu, known medically as influenza (in-flew-EN-zuh) is an infection of the nose, throat, windpipe, and airways in the lung. Causes Influenza is caused by a virus. The germ is quickly spread from an infected person to others by coughing and sneezing. Signs/Symptoms Typical symptoms include chills, fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, swollen glands, vomiting and diarrhea. The child also may have a runny nose; earache; and red, watery, sore eyes. The disease is worst during the first 1 to 2 days. Cough and tiredness may last another week or more. Care There is no cure for the flu. Antibiotic medicine will not work. The best remedy is plenty of rest and liquids. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN if a child with influenza is under 18 years of age. This could lead to brain and liver damage (Reye's syndrome). Carefully check for aspirin on the label on any over-the-counter medicines. Acetaminophen will help relieve fever and body aches. Use a cool-mist humidifier to increase moisture in the child's room. This will make breathing easier. The child should rest until his or her temperature is normal (98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C). This usually takes 3 to 4 days. Give plenty of liquids such as juice, water, broth, gelatin, or lemonade. Do not worry about giving solid food until the child is better. Wash the child's hands often to prevent spread of germs. This is especially important after blowing the nose and before touching food. Be sure the child covers his or her mouth when coughing or sneezing. Keep your child home from daycare or school until the fever is gone (usually 2 or 3 days). Call Your Doctor If... The fever lasts more than 36 hours. The child has shortness of breath while resting, a deep cough with lots of mucus, or chest pain. The child has nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Seek Care Immediately If... Your child is not drinking enough fluids and has signs of water loss such as listlessness, dry mouth, little or no urination, wrinkled skin, no tears, dizziness, or, in babies, a sunken soft spot on the top of the head. The child has trouble breathing or the skin or nails turn bluish. The child develops severe neck pain or stiffness. The child acts confused or too sleepy, has changes in behavior, or has seizures. The child has a very high fever.