Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version

The flu (influenza) is a "bad cold" caused by a virus. The virus infects the nose, throat, and air passages to the lungs. Your child will probably have a stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough. Your child may have more muscle pain, headache, fever, and chills than colds usually cause. Flu is not dangerous for people who are usually healthy.

How can I take care of my child?

• Fever or aches.

  Use acetaminophen every 6 hours or ibuprofen every 8 hours. Do not give your child aspirin.

• Cough or hoarseness.

  Give your child cough drops. If your child is younger than 4 years old, give corn syrup (1/2 to 1 teaspoon as needed).

• Sore throat.

  Give your child hard candy for children over 4 years old. Warm chicken broth may also help children over 1 year old.

• Stuffy nose.

  Put warm-water or saline nosedrops into your child's nose. Then have the child blow his nose or you can use a suction bulb. This will open most blocked noses.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• Your child has difficulty breathing.
• Your child starts to act very sick.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• Your child has any related problems such as an earache, sinus pain or pressure, or a fever lasting over 3 days.
• You have other questions or concerns.