< Arkansas Children's Blog

What to Do If Your Child Gets Sick with the Flu

Published date: January 22, 2020
Updated date: October 13, 2023

According to the most recent 10year estimates (2010-2020) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 6,000 and 27,000 children younger than five have been hospitalized annually in the United States because of the flu.

Additionally, children with long-term conditions, like asthma and diabetes, are also more likely to have severe problems if they get the flu.

Unlike a cold, the following flu symptoms come on fast:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches,
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling tired

The CDC advises most children will get better without needing to go to the doctor. A child of any age with severe signs of the flu should go to the doctor. Parents and caregivers should check with the health care provider regarding what over-the-counter medicines might help a child suffering from the flu. A child with the flu should never be given aspirin.

To reduce the spread of the flu, keep your sick child at home until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of medicine to lower the fever. Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids and rests. If possible, separate them from other family members.

Arkansas Children's hospitals and clinics provide vaccines, along with other immunizations. ACH and Arkansas Children's Northwest in Springdale deliver high-quality care in their emergency departments.