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What to Do About the Flu

Medically reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD

First Aid

The flu (influenza) is a viral infection that usually starts out like a cold, but can cause a more serious illness. Most kids who get the flu get over the infection without any problems. Flu viruses usually cause the most illness during the colder months of the year.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of the Flu?

  • fever that comes on suddenly
  • chills
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • loss of appetite
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • nausea or vomiting
  • dizziness
  • tiredness
  • ear pain

What Can I Do About Flu Symptoms?

  • Let your child rest as much as needed.
  • Keep your child hydrated with plenty of liquids.
  • Relieve symptoms with:
    • a cool-mist humidifier
    • saline (saltwater) nose drops
    • acetaminophen or ibuprofen (give according to package directions)

Never give aspirin to a child with the flu. Such use is linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

Don't give cough or cold medicine to children under 6 years old. Call the doctor first for older kids.