Flu in Children Symptoms

Symptoms may begin 2-3 days after exposure to the virus. The flu comes on quickly and attacks the upper respiratory system.

• Classic symptoms include high-grade fever up to 104°F (40°C), chills, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, dry cough, and just plain feeling sick. These symptoms usually last for 3-4 days, but cough and tiredness may linger for 1-2 weeks after the fever has gone away. Other family members or close contacts often have a similar illness.



• In younger children, the pattern of influenza may be a typical influenzalike illness or look like other respiratory tract infections such as croup, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are frequently observed in children. Vomiting tends to be more significant than diarrhea. Fever is usually high and irritability may be prominent.



• In infants, the flu often goes unrecognized because the signs and symptoms are not specific and may suggest a bacterial infection. Influenza in infants younger than 6 months is less common, but symptoms include lethargy, poor feeding, and poor circulation.