Infant Flu Symptoms

Determining if your infant is showing symptoms of having the flu can be difficult. They may appear to have a viral illness, cold or seem very sleepy and lethargic and not able to eat as well as usual.

Time Frame

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October through February is commonly known as "flu season" (see Resources below). During this time infants are more likely to be exposed to the flu.

Identification

• Infant flu symptoms include a sudden high fever of 101 degrees or higher, chills and fatigue followed by respiratory problems such as a dry cough and a runny nose. Additional infant flu symptoms may include stomach pain, diarrhea, poor appetite, swollen glands and a sore throat.

Misconceptions

• If your infant has respiratory symptoms such as coughing and congestion that surface before a high fever, they likely have a cold instead of the flu.

Prevention/Solution

• The American Pediatric Association recommends that all children from the ages of six months old to 19 years old should get a yearly flu vaccination (see Resources below). Keep your infant away from areas of close contact such as schools and daycare or around family members who might be experiencing flu outbreaks.

Warning

• The flu is highly dangerous for infants and babies under the age of two. Infants who get the flu will likely have to be monitored and treated in the hospital. The flu virus proliferates in close quarters and someone who has the virus is contagious one day before symptoms begin and five days after.