Flu (Influenza) in Children & Babies

What is flu?

The flu – or influenza - is a highly contagious virus infecting various parts of the respiratory system. It tends to appear most often during the winter months, with spikes in cases between December and March.

Influenza strains differ each year, which means how it might affect your little one can differ, too – from them feeling like they have a very bad cold, to more serious and complicated symptoms that could require a visit to the hospital. If you’re worried they have the flu, contact NHS 111

Flu symptoms

Flu symptoms in children and babies can appear similar to colds at first, but can quickly develop into more obvious flu-like symptoms. The first symptoms of influenza usually appear within two days of your little one becoming infected.

Typical signs of the flu in children can include:

• Sudden fever – check to see if your child has a temperature of 38°C or above

• Aching

• Being tired or exhausted

• Dry coughs

• Sore throat

• Headaches

• Finding it hard to sleep

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhoea or sore tummies

• Being sick – sometimes they will vomit, other times they just might feel nauseous

While children and babies show many of the same symptoms as adults when they catch the flu, there are two flu symptoms that younger children can be more prone to:

• Earache

• Being less active

Dawn Kelly says: “It’s worth remembering that not all children will have all these symptoms, and they might struggle to tell you exactly what they’re feeling. With babies, it’s best to look for symptoms that you can measure, like temperature.”

This content was written by healthcare professional Dawn Kelly in 2020. She was paid for her time but does not endorse CALPOL^® Products.

How do you know if your little one has a cold or flu?

At first, it can be hard to tell the difference between the flu and the common cold, especially if your youngster hasn’t started talking.

Simple signs that could help you work out if they have a cold or flu are:

• Cold symptoms come on more slowly than flu symptoms in babies and children

• Flu affects more than just the nose and throat areas

• Flu makes children feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal

How long does flu last in children and babies?

Usually, your little ones will be good to go back to nursery or school a week or so after the first flu symptoms appear, although some babies feel tired and achy for longer .

When to contact NHS 111

The NHS now requests that people use the 111 online service initially (https://111.nhs.uk/) and only call 111 if they cannot get help online or you need help for a child under 5.

Get advice from 111 now if:

• You're worried about your baby's or child's symptoms

• Your child's symptoms do not improve after 7 days

• Your child has a long term medical condition

• Your child has a weakened immune system

Call 999 or go to A&E if your child:

• Develops sudden chest pain

• Has difficulty breathing

• Starts coughing up blood

How to help prevent flu from spreading

While there’s no cure, there are ways people can help reduce the spread of the flu, which is especially important if you have a large family. This can be through learning simple handwashing techniques to knowing how it’s spread.

How is the flu spread?

The flu virus is usually spread when people cough and sneeze, sending tiny droplets of the virus into the air. These germs either travel directly to another person or land on surfaces, where they can live for up to 24 hours.

This means people tend to catch the flu when they’ve been in contact with others who have it or have touched surfaces that have the virus on them. In places like nurseries and schools flu can spread quite quickly.

Dawn says: “While people are more susceptible to the flu as they get older, it doesn’t mean that children can’t catch it.”

This content was written by healthcare professional Dawn Kelly in 2020. She was paid for her time but does not endorse CALPOL^® Products.

Is the flu contagious?

Yes, the flu is highly contagious with the most infectious period within the first five days of someone having the flu.
The flu’s incubation period – the time between catching the flu and the first symptoms appearing - is usually around 48 hours.

How to reduce the spread of the flu

With children, it can be hard to prevent the spread of flu as they like to explore and touch things. However, you can teach them a few flu prevention rules to reduce the spread:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap

• Use tissues when coughing and sneezing

• Bin tissues straight after use

If your baby has flu symptoms and is attending nursery, it’s best to keep them home. Likewise, for school-age children, keeping them away from the classroom will reduce the chances of it spreading.

Children can also get a flu vaccine for free through the NHS under certain conditions, for example if they are aged 2-3 years or when they are in primary school. To find out if your child is eligible for the flu vaccine, visit the NHS Flu Vaccine page

How to treat the flu

When you’re trying to get rid of the flu, what you’re really doing is treating the symptoms. There’s no cure – all you can do to help is use home flu remedies and medicines to help make your little one more comfortable.

Foods for flu

Many children will feel off their food when sick with the flu, but it’s worth trying to get them to eat some small meals to keep their energy up.

For older children, chicken soup can be very comforting. It’s a tasty way to help make sure they get enough fluids.

Medicines to treat fever and aches & pains

Medicines containing paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve your children’s fever or treat aches & pains to help them feel more comfortable - although you should be careful not to use them at the same time.

Discover the full range of Calpol products to help treat your child’s symptoms.

Always read the guidance on any medicine before giving it to children. Many are not suitable for children under two months, while doses can differ for different age groups. We can help you find the correct dosage for your little one.

Last reviewed 2020 by qualified paediatric nurse Dawn Kelly, a health visitor, lecturer and mother-of-three. Dawn was paid for her time and does not endorse CALPOL^® Products.