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Influenza in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

Influenza (the flu) is an infection caused by the influenza virus. The virus spreads through direct contact with someone who has the flu. For example, a person with the virus on his or her hands can spread it by shaking hands with someone. Your child may be able to spread the flu to others for 1 week or longer after signs or symptoms appear.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

Stay with your child for comfort and support

as often as possible while he or she is in the hospital. Ask another family member or someone close to the family to stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring items from home that will comfort your child, such as a favorite blanket or toy.

Your child may need extra oxygen

if his or her blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. Your child may get oxygen through a mask placed over or her nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in his or her nostrils. Ask a healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.

An IV

is a small tube placed in your child's vein that is used to give him or her medicine or liquids.

Isolation:

Your child will need to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of the flu to other people. People near your child should wear a mask, and they may also wear gloves, goggles, and a gown. People who enter your child's room should wash their hands before they leave.

Tests:

Medicines:

Treatment:

A ventilator is a machine that gives your child oxygen. The ventilator breathes for your child when he or she cannot breathe well on his or her own. An endotracheal (ET) tube is put into your child's mouth or nose and attached to the ventilator. Your child may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is a tube put through an incision and into his or her windpipe.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

RISKS:

Your child's symptoms may get worse. He or she may develop severe dehydration. If your child has other health problems, such as asthma or epilepsy, they can get worse. Infection may spread to other parts of his or her body, such as the ears, throat, or sinuses. Your child may develop croup, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia and have trouble breathing. He or she may develop seizures. The flu can be life-threatening.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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