The flu is viral infection caused by the influenza virus.
Flu symptoms can include a sudden fever (usually above 101°F or 38.3°C), chills and body shakes, headache, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, a dry, hacking cough, and a stuffy or runny nose.
Some children may throw up and have diarrhea. Symptoms last from one to two weeks.
A pediatrician will perform an in-office test for influenza. If the influenza test is positive, your pediatrician might prescribe antiviral medications that will help your child’s body fight the influenza virus.
Since the flu is a virus, antibiotics are not effective in helping treat the illness.
While otherwise healthy individuals usually recover from the flu without complications, it is important to watch for any signs of difficulty breathing. The flu vaccine is plays an integral role in reducing the risk of complications from the flu.