Influenza A in Kids

“Is this just a cold… or could it be the flu?”

This year, Influenza A is already circulating, and it tends to hit kids harder and faster than most common colds will. Here’s what you as a parent needs to know —what’s normal, what’s not, and when to call your pediatrician.

What Is Influenza A?

Influenza A is one of the main types of flu viruses that infect people. Influenza B usually shows up later in the season.

Influenza A in kids spreads easily through:

• coughing and sneezing

• close contact at school or daycare or between family members at family events

• shared surfaces, toys, cups, and hands

  
  

Kids are especially efficient at spreading it because they literally touch everything and often touch their face and mouths after.

Common Symptoms of Influenza A in Kids

Flu symptoms usually start QUICKLY and may include:

• high fever (often 102–104°F)

• chills

• headache

• body aches

• extreme fatigue

• cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

Some children also have:

• vomiting

• diarrhea (especially younger kids)

If your child went from “fine” to “flat on the couch” in a few hours this time of year, think Influenza.

How Is Influenza Different from a Cold?

The only way to truly know is to do a nose swab that tests for Influenza but here are some usual differences.

Colds:

• mild fever or none

• runny nose first

• kids often still feel good enough to play

Influenza:

• high fever

• body aches

• exhaustion

• kids often want to lie down and do nothing

How Long Does Influenza Last?

• Fever: typically 3–5 days

• Fatigue/cough: can last 1–2 weeks

• Appetite and energy often take time several days to return

It’s normal for kids to feel wiped out even after the fever breaks.

So What About Treatment? What Actually Helps?

There’s no cure for Influenza, but rather the focus is on supportive care:

✅ Do:

• Give fluids (small, frequent sips)

• Lots of rest!

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (age-appropriate) for fever reducers

• Humidifier for cough

• Honey for cough (over age 1)

• Consider elderberry (generally over age 1 is safest)

❌ Avoid:

• Aspirin (Kids should NEVER be given Aspirin for risk of Reyes syndrome)

• Forcing food - encourage fluids first!

• Unnecessary antibiotics because Influenza is a Virus (Sometimes antibiotics are needed for secondary infections like ear infections or pneumonia)

  
  

What About Antiviral Medications (like Tamiflu/Xofluza)?

Antivirals may be helpful if started early (within 48 hours of symptoms onset), especially for:

• young children

• kids with asthma or chronic conditions

• high-risk infants

This is a discussion worth having with your pediatrician—every child is different.

Tamiflu:

Tamiflu helps stop the flu virus from spreading in the body. It doesn’t “cure” the flu, but it can shorten illness by about 1 day and reduce the risk of complications in higher-risk kids.

How it’s taken:

• Twice daily for 5 days

  
  

Common side effects:

• nausea

• vomiting

• stomach pain

These side effects are most common in the first 1–2 doses and often improve if the medication is taken with food.

Less common side effects:

• headache

• irritability

• Rarely, some children experience neurological changes (hallucinations, nightmares, confusion). These are uncommon but something parents should watch for.

Xofluza (Baloxavir)

Xofluza stops the flu virus from replicating. It has the advantage of being a single-dose medication. *It is not often covered by insurance very well.

Who can take it:

• Children 5 years and older

• Best for otherwise healthy kids

• Must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset

  
  

How it’s taken:

• One single dose, based on weight

  
  

Common side effects:

• diarrhea

• nausea

• headache

Overall, Xofluza tends to cause less vomiting than Tamiflu and has a smaller side effect profile.

Tamiflu vs. Xofluza: Quick Comparison

Feature	Tamiflu	Xofluza
Dosing	Twice daily for 5 days	Single dose
Approved age	As young as 2 weeks	5 years and older
Best for	High-risk kids, infants, severe cases	Older kids, mild–moderate illness
GI side effects	More common	Less common
Timing	Within 48 hours	Within 48 hours

Do All Kids with Flu Need Antivirals?

Nope! Many healthy children recover well with rest, fluids, and supportive care alone.

Antivirals are most helpful when:

• started early (within 48 hours)

• the child is high-risk

• symptoms are severe

• there are underlying medical conditions

This should be a discussion between families and their pediatrician. The key is individualized care, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

At Thrive Pediatrics, families can message me directly during flu season to talk through whether antiviral medication makes sense for their child—without an urgent care visit or long wait times.

When Should Parents Call the Doctor?

Call your Pediatrician if your child has:

• difficulty breathing or fast breathing

• fever lasting more than 5 days and not improving

• dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet diapers)

• chest pain

• confusion or extreme lethargy

• worsening symptoms after initial improvement

  
  

As always, trust your parent instincts—parents usually know when something just doesn't feel right. The biggest concern with Influenza are the secondary infections like pneumonias, for instance.

When Can Kids Go Back to School or See Others?

Children should stay home at least until:

• they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication

• energy is improving

• cough is manageable

The Bottom Line

Influenza A can be rough—but most children recover fully with rest, hydration, and time. Knowing what to expect and when to seek help makes a huge difference!

At Thrive Pediatrics, families can message me directly with concerns, send updates, and get guidance without waiting days for an appointment—especially helpful during flu season.

📍 Thrive Pediatrics – Waukesha, WI

📞 262-217-0939

🌐 www.thrivepedswi.com