Overview
Flu, also called influenza, is caused by a virus. Flu tends to come on more quickly and is usually worse than a cold. Your child may suddenly develop a fever, chills, body aches, a headache, and a cough. The fever, chills, and body aches can last for about a week. Your child may have a cough, a runny nose, and a sore throat for another week or more. Family members can get the flu from coughs or sneezes or by touching something that your child has coughed or sneezed on.
Most of the time, the flu does not need any medicine other than acetaminophen (Tylenol). But sometimes doctors prescribe antiviral medicines. If started within 2 days of your child getting the flu, these medicines can help prevent problems from the flu and help your child get better a day or two sooner than they would without the medicine.
Your doctor will not prescribe an antibiotic for the flu, because antibiotics do not work for viruses. But sometimes children get an ear infection or other bacterial infections with the flu. Antibiotics may be used in these cases.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter A223 in the search box to learn more about "Influenza (Flu) in Children: Care Instructions".