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. Signs and Symptoms a 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 to Do If Your Child Has 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 and/or ibuprofen (give according to package directions) Never give aspirin to a child with the flu. Don't give cough or cold medicine to children under 6 years old (call the doctor first for older kids). Call your doctor if you have any questions, or if your child has an underlying health condition. Get Medical Care if Your Child Has: symptoms that get worse a severe cough trouble breathing a fever and is 3 months of age or younger a fever that lasts for 5 or more days a stiff neck a headache that doesn't go away after acetaminophen or ibuprofen Think Prevention! Make sure your kids get the flu vaccine each year. Try to avoid large crowds during flu season. Wash hands well and often. Wearing masks in public is recommended for all children age 2 and up during the coronavirus pandemic. This can also help stop the spread of flu. Back to Articles Related Articles Flu Center Get the basics on how flu spreads and how to protect yourself. Read More Flu Center The flu can make you sick for a week or more. Find out how to get protected from the influenza virus. Read More Flu Center Learn all about protecting your family from the flu and what to do if your child gets flu-like symptoms. Read More How Do I Know Which Vaccines My Kids Need? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More How Many Doses of Flu Vaccine Does My Child Need? Knowing the doctor-recommended flu vaccination schedule can be confusing. Use this tool to help you understand how many doses your child needs. Read More Who Needs a Flu Shot? Just about everybody needs a flu shot. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Your Child's Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot) Find out when and why kids need to get the flu vaccine. Read More Immunization Schedule Which vaccines does your child need and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference. Read More Tips for Treating the Flu Here are some quick tips for helping your child get over the flu. Read More Too Late for the Flu Vaccine? It's best to get the flu vaccine early in flu season, so the body can make antibodies that protect it from the flu. But getting it later is better than not getting it at all. Read More Vomiting Most vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis, and usually isn't serious. These home-care tips can help prevent dehydration. Read More The Flu Vaccine Doctors recommend that all teens get vaccinated against the flu. Here are the facts on flu vaccines. Read More Fevers Fevers happen when the body's internal "thermostat" raises the body temperature above normal. This is often the body's way of fighting infections. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.