*Indigo does not currently offer the flu vaccine.
Few things can throw off a family's routine quite like the flu. One day your child is running around as usual, and the next they're curled up on the couch with a fever, cough, and no energy to spare.
Most children recover from the flu at home with rest, fluids, and supportive care. Knowing what symptoms to expect, how to keep your child comfortable, and when it's time to seek medical care can help make a stressful week a little easier.
What are the most common flu symptoms in children?
Flu symptoms often come on quickly and can be more intense than a typical cold. While every child is different, common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
Many children experience a fever for several days along with low energy, making even everyday activities feel exhausting. It's also normal for appetites to decrease while they're sick.
How can I care for my child at home?
Most children with the flu can recover comfortably at home. The goal is to help manage symptoms, prevent dehydration, and give the body time to rest and heal.
While there isn't a cure for the flu, supportive care can make a big difference in how your child feels throughout the illness.
Keep your child hydrated
One of the most important parts of flu recovery is staying hydrated. Fever, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea can all increase the risk of dehydration.
Encourage frequent sips of fluids throughout the day, even if your child doesn't feel like drinking much at once.
Good hydration options include:
- Water
- Pedialyte or other electrolyte drinks
- Clear broth
- Ice pops
- Breast milk or formula for infants
Contact a health care provider if your child is showing signs of dehydration, including dry lips, a dry mouth, decreased urination, crying without tears, or unusual sleepiness.
Encourage extra rest
The flu can leave children feeling extremely tired. Rest helps the immune system do its job and gives the body energy to fight the infection.
Don't be surprised if your child wants extra naps or several quiet days on the couch. This is completely normal.
During recovery, consider limiting:
- Sports and physical activity
- Busy outings
- Late nights
- Activities that require lots of energy
Offer easy-to-eat foods
Many children lose their appetite when they're sick. While good nutrition supports recovery, hydration is usually the higher priority.
When your child is ready to eat, try simple foods that are easy on the stomach:
- Soup
- Toast
- Crackers
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Rice
- Yogurt
Small meals and snacks are often easier than expecting a child to finish a full meal.
Can I give my child medicine for the flu?
Over-the-counter medications may help reduce discomfort while your child recovers.
Depending on your child's age, a health care provider may recommend:
- Acetaminophen to help reduce fever and discomfort
- Ibuprofen to help relieve fever, aches, and pains
- Saline nasal spray to help with congestion
- Humidifiers to help ease coughing and throat irritation
Always follow the dosing instructions on the product label and check with your child's health care provider if you're unsure which medications are appropriate.
Important note: Never give aspirin to children or teenagers recovering from a viral illness unless directed by a health care provider. Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
How long does the flu last in children?
Most children start feeling better within a few days, although some symptoms can linger longer.
In general:
- Fever often improves within 3 to 5 days
- Energy levels gradually return over the following week
- Coughs can linger for 1 to 2 weeks or longer
Every child recovers at a different pace. Even after a fever is gone, tiredness is common for several days.
When should I call a health care provider?
While many cases of flu can be managed at home, it's important to check in with a health care provider if symptoms are becoming difficult to manage or aren't improving as expected.
Consider seeking care if:
- Symptoms are severe
- A fever lasts several days
- Symptoms are not improving after 7 to 10 days
- Your child develops ear pain
- Your child is unable to stay hydrated
- Persistent vomiting is preventing fluid intake
- Your child has asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic medical condition
- Symptoms improve and then suddenly worsen
Can antiviral medications help?
In some cases, antiviral medications may be recommended.
These medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset and may help shorten the duration of illness or reduce symptom severity.
A clinician may be more likely to recommend antiviral treatment for:
- Young children
- Children with chronic health conditions
- Children at higher risk of flu complications
- Children with more severe symptoms
A health care provider can help determine whether antiviral treatment is appropriate.
When can my child return to school?
Most children can return to school when:
- They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
- Their symptoms are improving
- They feel well enough to participate in normal activities
Check with your child's school if you have questions about attendance requirements after illness.
When should I seek emergency care?
In some cases, flu symptoms require immediate medical attention.
For children, call 911 or visit the emergency room if your child has:
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
- Bluish or gray lips or face
- Chest pain
- Severe dehydration
- Seizures
- Lack of alertness when awake
- Severe muscle pain that prevents walking
- Fever above 104°F
- Any fever in an infant younger than 12 weeks
- Symptoms that improve but return with a fever and worsening cough
When in doubt, it's always better to seek medical attention than delay care.
Indigo offers quick care for families
When a child is sick, waiting days for an appointment can add stress to an already challenging week. At Indigo Urgent Care, we make it easy to get answers quickly with same-day appointments, walk-in care, and rapid flu testing available at all locations.
Our clinicians can evaluate flu symptoms, discuss treatment options, and help determine whether antiviral medication may be appropriate.
With more than 50 locations across Washington and Idaho, Indigo is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm, including weekends and holidays.
Simply walk in, book a same-day or next-day appointment online, or connect with a clinician through Indigo Virtual Care from the comfort of home. When flu season strikes, Indigo is here to help your family get back on its feet.
