Flu Symptoms in Babies

Signs of the flu can be hard to detect in babies. Colds and other viral illnesses cause symptoms similar to the flu, such as lethargy or poor appetite. Your baby's chances of getting the flu are highest during the flu season, which generally runs from October through February. Learning what to watch for can help your baby get the proper care for this common illness.

Significance

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the flu sends over 20,000 children under the age of 5 to hospitals each year. Children in this age range face a high risk of flu-related complications, including pneumonia, sinus problems, dehydration, ear infections and a brain inflammation known as encephalopathy. The flu can also make chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease worse. Babies under 6 months old face the greatest risk of suffering complications since they are too young to receive a flu vaccine and cannot take influenza antiviral medications for flu treatment and prevention.

Causes

• The flu spreads through airborne means, such as coughing or sneezing. Infected droplets pass through the air and are inhaled by people nearby. The droplets can travel a distance of at least three feet. The flu becomes contagious one day before symptoms appear and remains contagious for up to five days. People with only mild symptoms might not realize they have the flu and that they are putting others at risk. The flu spreads rapidly in places such as daycare centers and schools.

Symptoms

• Watch for common flu symptoms such as a sudden fever of at least 101 degrees or chills and fatigue followed by a dry cough or runny nose, especially during the flu season. Coughing or congestion that occurs before a fever usually indicates a cold. Check your baby for swollen glands and a sore throat, which can accompany a flu. Your baby might also vomit, have diarrhea, be unusually irritable or have abdominal pain. Call your pediatrician if your baby runs a high fever, shows signs of dehydration such as dry skin, pulls on his ear, becomes ill again after recovering from the flu or has difficulty breathing.

Treatment

• The most effective treatment for babies with the flu involves plenty of rest and fluids. Feed your baby more frequently than usual to make sure she gets enough liquids. If she can eat solids, give her broth or soup to relieve congestion. Your pediatrician might suggest giving your baby acetaminophen for infants to ease discomfort. If your baby develops an ear infection, bacterial infection or bronchitis, she might need antibiotics as well. Flu symptoms should start to disappear in three to five days, although it could take as long as two weeks for a full recovery.

Flu Vaccine

• If your baby is at least 6 months old, he should get a flu vaccine every year, especially if he has a chronic disease such as diabetes, a compromised immune system or severe anemia. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine depends on how closely it matches the current flu strain and how healthy your baby is. The shot provides better protection in healthier children. If your baby does catch the flu after being given a vaccine, it should turn out to be only a mild illness. All family members 6 months and up should get a flu vaccine to further reduce your baby's chances of getting the flu, especially if he isn't old enough to be vaccinated.

Hygiene

• Wash your baby's hands and your own hands frequently with warm water and soap. Make sure that other family members do the same to stop germs from spreading. Your baby should stay away from other people who show signs of illness. If you have the flu, wear a surgical mask when interacting with your child. Make sure you cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and wash your hands afterward.