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During flu season, your baby becomes more susceptible to getting sick and catching it. First, it can be just a little cough or maybe fever, which doesn't seem like something serious at times, but being a mom and all, you can’t help but ask, “Is this something to be scared about?” During this time, it's important that you stay calm and know when to worry about flu in child. When you're calm, you can better detect warning signs and know the care that your baby needs at the time.
Cold and Flu Symptom in Babies
Babies under one year are more susceptible to viruses. Here are some common symptoms to look out for in babies:
- Fussiness or trouble sleeping
- Fewer wet diapers than usual
- Blocked or leaky nose
- Temp reading over 100.4°F
- Poor feeding or not interested in milk
- Sneezes and coughs that won’t quit
- Breathing that sounds heavy or includes small grunts
Small changes can mean big problems. Always be vigilant, and call your doctor if you notice serious symptoms like heavy breathing and trouble eating.
Cold and Flu Symptoms in Child
Flu symptoms in older children may be harder to notice and manage. Here are some signs you could look for:
- Sudden fever (High temp ones)
- Body aches or chills
- Headache or sore throat
- Leaky nose or cough
- Tiredness or low energy
- Nausea with vomiting or frequent watery poop
If their symptoms get worse faster, and they become sleepy, you should call someone for help.
Possible Causes of Cold And Flu Symptoms
It’s not always the viruses that cause the flu and cold symptoms. Here are some of the possible causes:
- Common cold (rhinovirus): Not that serious, symptoms are milder, and they are not that quick in terms of symptom progression.
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): Dangerous to infants, scary.
- COVID-19: it can mimic the symptoms of the flu.
- Allergies: symptoms always show coughing, a leaky nose, and consecutive sneezing
- Sinus infection: Persistent congestion or facial pressure, like a red nose
To ensure that it's not something serious, monitor the symptoms for about a week. If it got worse or still persists during that week of monitoring, call
Who’s Most At Risk?
Most of the time, healthy kids only need water and rest to get over the flu. However, there is still a chance of complications like pneumonia, ear infection, and dehydration.
Most at risk are:
- Babies under 6 months old
- Children with asthma or chronic illnesses
- Baby with a weak immune system
- Children who have neurological conditions
- Premature babies
- Those who haven’t received a flu shot.
At-risk children needs a faster and more focused care, as the progression of symptoms they experience may be more severe and serious. If your baby is included on the list, don't wait; act as soon as possible once the symptoms begin to show.
How Long Does Flu Last?
5-7 days is often the time it takes for Flu symptoms to come and go. Here’s what those 7 days may look like:
- Day 1-3: Sore throat paired with chills, muscle aches, and a rising temp
- Day 4-6: Low energy, tight chest, and a nose that just won’t clear up
- Day 7+: Symptoms may be gone or improving
Some children may get better in just a couple of days, while some can take weeks before feeling better. The 5-day monitoring is essential to see if your baby has something serious going on. If your baby didn’t show any signs of improvement on the first 5 days, you should consider seeing a doctor.
How To Prevent The Spread of Colds and Flu?
The flu is one of the most contagious viruses on the planet, especially in homes with little kids. Here’s what you can do to prevent it from spreading:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water
- Don't share cups and utensils
- Keep the sick ones from going out, like going to daycare or school
- Disinfect the items in the house, like toys, remote, and even door handles
- Teach your children to cover their mouths when coughing
- Get a flu shot each year if possible
Also, you can use tools like the Momcozy smart baby monitor to help track your baby’s temperature and breathing during flu season, especially at night, where everything frequently goes unnoticed. It’s part of the best smart baby monitors collection for a reason: it helps ease your worries while your little one rests.
What To Do If Your Baby Is Sick
When your child is under the weather, here’s how to care for them at home:
- Offer sips of water or stick with breast milk or formula to keep them hydrated
- If they’re up for it, try giving light meals or something healthy to snack on
- Use a humidifier to ease congestion
- Dress them lightly if they have a fever
- Let them rest as much as they need
For infants, a nasal aspirator for newborns, like the Momcozy nasal aspirator, can gently clear stuffy noses so they can breathe and feed more comfortably. Check out the full nasal aspirator newborn collection for other helpful tools.
When To Call Your Pediatrician
You should always trust your gut, but here are some of the specific signs that mean it’s time to get help:
- A temp higher than 104°F for babies under 3 months old
- Chest retractions and fast breathing
- Blue or gray lips or skin
- Signs of dehydration
- Vomiting that doesn’t stop
- Trouble walking or staying awake
- Seizures or stiff necks
- Cough lasting more than 10 days
If you’re ever unsure, call. Pediatricians would rather hear from you early than too late.
Advice On How to Fight Flu For Caregivers of Child
When your child is ill, it's simple to neglect your own needs. But staying healthy yourself is equally vital.
- Stay well-nourished and hydrated.
- Wash your hands repeatedly, particularly after blowing a cough or wiping the nose of your baby.
- Wear a mask if you have an illness, but continue to care for your child
- Rest with them, even for a mere 20 minutes
- Ask for assistance when you need to, whether for meals, chores, or a rest
If your child is a newborn, tools like the Momcozy give you peace of mind so you can rest without constantly hovering.
FAQs
How to Know If a Child’s Flu Turns Serious?
Most of the time a child's flu is nothing serious; however, there are times when it may mean something dangerous. You’ll know the flu is turning serious if your child:
- Struggles to breathe
- Can’t keep fluids down
- Has a high fever that doesn’t go down with medicine
- Seems confused or very drowsy
- Has chest pain or difficulty waking up
Always be alert; if anything feels “off,” seek medical advice right away.
What Are The Red Flags For Flu in Children?
Although it's a rare occurrence, red flags may appear during your baby’s flu. Some red flags include:
- High-pitched crying
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Blue lips or pale skin
- Extreme sleepiness
- Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
- Seizures or fainting
Red flags often mean it’s time for urgent care or an ER visit.
Is It Normal For A Kid To Sleep All Day With A Flu?
Yes, extra sleep is common and even helpful. However, if your child can’t be roused easily, isn’t eating, or seems too weak to respond normally, it may mean something serious. Flu fatigue should still come with alert periods throughout the day.
Conclusion
Flu season can be tough; however, knowing when to worry about the flu in child can help you a ton. It can help you give the knowledge you need to take care of your child more efficiently and with more care. You will also have the knowledge you need to identify what a serious flu is and what a mild one is.
Always be alert when it comes to your baby. Keep watch 24/7 and make sure that your sick baby is not showing any red flag symptoms. There are tools like the Momcozy smart baby monitor that can help you achieve this feat.
Another helpful thing to think about is the Momcozy Nasal Aspirator. Nasal aspirator for newborns helps your baby breathe easily when your baby experiences a stuffy or leaky nose, which helps your child breathe properly, which helps you breathe as well.
Flu season is an overwhelming time for moms, but with the right knowledge and tools, this time can be made easier for you and your baby. Always trust yourself, and you’ll overcome this tough time.
