First Aid & Emergencies

Influenza (Children)

Most kids get the flu -- a respiratory infection caused by a virus -- at some point. Usually they recover just fine. But in some cases, the flu can lead to more serious illnesses.

Call Doctor If:

• Your child is younger than 2
• Isn't feeding well and is often cranky and tired
• Is vomiting and has diarrhea
• Has a fever that lasts 3 to 4 days
• Has a cough that doesn't go away
• Has problems breathing
• Has a stiff neck

1. Give Fluids and Rest

• Give a baby plenty of breast milk or formula. Try to feed more frequently.
• Serve an older child plenty of fluids such as water and juice, oral electrolyte solution, or ice pops. Don't give any liquids that have caffeine.
• Let the child rest.
• Pay attention to how often the child urinates to watch for dehydration.

2. Treat Congestion and Symptoms

• Use a humidifier in the child's bedroom to keep it moist and ease a stuffy nose.
• Remove mucus from the child's nose with a bulb syringe. You can thin mucus with saline nasal spray and reduce nasal congestion with saline nasal gel.
• Give the child a warm bath. Dress him in light clothing and keep his room cool.
• Give children's formula acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to relieve muscle aches, a headache, fever, and sore throat. Don't give aspirin to a child under 16.
• Don't give a child under 6 cold or cough medicine.

3. Prevent Flu

• Make sure a child older than 6 months of age gets a flu vaccine every year.