Flu in Children

• Flu in Children Overview
• Flu in Children Causes
• Flu in Children Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Flu in Children Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Flu in Children Overview

Influenza is an acute infection caused by any of 3 types of viruses (A, B, or C). Type A strains are associated with the most severe disease. Many people confuse influenza or flu with the common cold.

• Flu is an acute infection of the airway tract in the nose and throat that can sometimes spread down into the lungs. Flu in adults is a frequent cause of acute respiratory illness. Flu, however, affects people of all ages. Children are among the groups most at risk for developing flu and its complications and are more likely to spread the infection to others.
  
  
• Flu season begins every year mainly in late fall and early winter and usually spreads widely. The peak season for the flu in the northern hemisphere is from November through March.