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My child has the flu. What should I do?
A parent's guide to flu in children, including symptoms, home care, warning signs, and prevention.
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What it is
Flu is a viral illness that can be more dangerous for children than the common cold [2]. Symptoms come on very quickly, often within a few hours [3]. In children, flu can cause a sudden high temperature, an aching body, feeling tired or exhausted, a dry cough, a sore throat, a headache, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite [3]. Children may also have diarrhoea, tummy pain, feeling sick, or vomiting, although these are less common in adults [3]. Children can also get pain in their ear, sore eyes, swollen glands, and appear less active [3].
Children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2, are at higher risk of serious flu complications [1][2]. Children of any age with chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes are also at higher risk [1]. Complications can include sinus problems, ear infections, pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of long-term medical problems [5]. In rare cases, flu complications can lead to death [5].
What you can do at home
If your child has a high temperature and is uncomfortable, you can give them children’s paracetamol or children’s ibuprofen [10]. Always check the leaflet to make sure it is suitable for your child [10]. You can also try saline nose drops from a pharmacy if your child’s nose is blocked [10].
Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids [10]. For babies, try smaller feeds more often [10]. For older children, give extra water or diluted fruit juice [10].
To help stop the spread of flu to others:
- Wash hands often with warm water and soap [4].
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze [4].
- If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not your hand [4].
- Bin used tissues as quickly as possible [4].
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature, feel hot, cold, or shivery, or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities [4]. You are more likely to give flu to others in the first 5 days after getting infected [4].
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu and is safe and effective [4]. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older [1][6]. It is especially important for children at higher risk of complications [1]. For most people who need only one dose, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated [7]. Some children need two doses, given at least four weeks apart [7]. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protection [7].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Flu can lead to serious complications in children [5]. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if your child has flu symptoms and is at higher risk for complications [8]. Antiviral treatment for flu works best when started very soon after symptoms begin, ideally within 2 days [8][9]. Treatment may reduce the risk of complications, including those that can result in hospitalization [8].
Seek medical care if your child shows signs of serious illness. These can include dehydration, which happens when the body loses too much water and salts [5]. Also watch for worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma [5]. In rare cases, flu complications can lead to death [5].
Common questions
Can my child get the flu vaccine if they are under 6 months old? No. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older [1][6]. Infants younger than 6 months are too young for the vaccine [1]. They rely on those around them to be vaccinated to help protect them from flu [1].
Is the nasal spray flu vaccine an option for my child? The nasal spray vaccine is approved for people 2 through 49 years old [6]. However, it is not recommended for people with certain underlying medical conditions [6]. Flu shots are approved for people 6 months and older [6]. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccine is right for your child.
Do antibiotics help treat the flu? No. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses and won’t help your child feel better [9]. Flu is caused by a virus [9]. Antiviral treatments are available for flu and work best when started very soon after symptoms begin [9].
Sources
[1] CDC — “Flu and Children”, section “Parents help children fight flu”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm [2] CDC — “Flu and Children”, section “Flu and Children At a glance”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm [3] NHS — “Flu” (2026), section “Symptoms of flu”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/ [4] NHS — “Flu” (2026), section “How to avoid spreading the flu”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/ [5] CDC — “Flu and Children”, section “Who’s at risk Flu can be dangerous for children”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm [6] CDC — “Flu and Children”, section “Types of flu vaccines for children”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm [7] CDC — “Flu and Children”, section “When children should get a flu vaccine”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm [8] CDC — “Manage Common Cold”, section “Fact”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/colds.html [9] CDC — “Manage Common Cold”, section “Manage Common Cold Key points”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/colds.html [10] NHS — “Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)” (2024), section “Things you can do to ease symptoms of an RSV infection”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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