Influenza Season: Stay Calm and Stay Safe
By Dr Joann

Every year, flu season arrives with a fresh wave of worry for parents. This year, that anxiety has intensified following recent reports of flu-related complications and even deaths in children. We understand how unsettling it can be to hear such news. But while flu infections can be serious, the good news is this: there is a lot we can do to protect our children and ensure they stay as safe and healthy as possible.

Why the flu can sometimes become dangerous, how to recognize early symptoms in children, when to seek medical help, and—most importantly—what steps you can take right now to help protect your child during this flu season.

What Is the Flu, and Why Is It a Concern?

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. While many healthy children recover from the flu within a few days to a week, some can experience severe illness that leads to complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, and, in rare cases, encephalitis or even death.

Children under the age of five, especially those younger than two, and children with underlying health issues such as asthma, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu.

What makes the flu particularly concerning is how quickly symptoms can escalate in some children. One day, your child may seem a bit tired and have a mild fever. Next, they may be unable to keep fluids down, breathing rapidly, or experiencing chest pain. This is why vigilance—and timely action—matters.

Signs and Symptoms of Influenza in Children

Many flu symptoms can look similar to the common cold or other viral illnesses, but the onset of flu is often more abrupt and intense. Watch out for:

• Sudden high fever (usually >38.5°C)

• Dry or productive cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or blocked nose

• Muscle aches

• Extreme fatigue

• Chills or shivering

• Headache

• Loss of appetite

• Irritability or drowsiness, especially in babies and toddlers

Infants may not show all the typical symptoms. Instead, they might present with poor feeding, lethargy, rapid breathing, or even vomiting and diarrhoea.

If your child is having trouble breathing, seems unusually sleepy or non-responsive, or if their fever persists beyond three days despite treatment, these are red flags that require medical evaluation.

Prevention Is the Best Protection

Let’s be clear: the flu vaccine saves lives. It’s safe, it’s effective, and it’s one of the best tools we have in our medical toolbox to prevent severe flu illness. Unfortunately, many parents still hesitate to vaccinate their children, often due to misunderstandings or myths.

Here are the facts:

• The flu vaccine does not cause the flu. It is made from inactivated virus or pieces of the virus, which cannot cause infection.

• Children above 6 months of age are eligible for the flu vaccine.

• The vaccine is updated yearly to match the circulating flu strains, so annual vaccination is necessary.

• Even if your child does get infected after vaccination, the illness is typically much milder and shorter in duration.

Besides vaccination, other preventive steps include:

• Teaching your child to wash their hands regularly with soap and water

• Avoiding crowded places during peak flu season, if possible

• Encouraging your child to sneeze or cough into a tissue or their elbow

• Keeping sick children at home to prevent the spread of the virus

When to See a Doctor

While many cases of the flu can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and fever medicine, some cases require prompt medical attention. Bring your child to a healthcare provider if you observe any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing

• Bluish lips or face

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Dehydration (signs include dry lips, no tears when crying, or very little urine output)

• Seizures

• Chest pain

• A fever that does not respond to paracetamol or ibuprofen after 48–72 hours

• A child who is unusually sleepy, confused, or irritable

• Flu symptoms that seem to improve but then return with worsening cough or fever

If you are unsure whether your child needs to be seen, it’s always better to call your doctor for advice. In some cases, antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may be prescribed if the diagnosis is made early enough—typically within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Home Care Tips for Mild Flu Cases

For children with mild flu symptoms, supportive care at home is often sufficient:

• Hydration is crucial. Offer small amounts of fluid frequently—water, breastmilk, formula, or rehydration solutions.

• Monitor fever. Use fever-reducing medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen as prescribed. Avoid aspirin in children.

• Rest and nutrition. Encourage your child to rest and offer light, nutritious meals if they’re willing to eat.

• Isolate when sick. Avoid sending your child to school or daycare until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

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