Volume 13, Issue 02
The PEACEKEEPER
Page 7
From the Med Deck
FLU continued from pg. 6
generalized weakness
ill appearance with warm, flushed
skin and red, watery eyes
Headache
dry cough
sore throat and watery discharge
from your nose
Seasonal influenza is not usually
associated with gastrointes nal symp‐
toms, like diarrhea and vomi ng, at least
not in adults. However, these symptoms
appear with stomach flu, which is a pop‐
ular but inaccurate term for gastroenter‐
i s.
What Are Common Flu Symptoms in Children?
Typical signs of seasonal flu in children include high‐grade fever up to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C), chills,
muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, dry cough, and just plain feeling sick. Flu symptoms in children may also cause
vomi ng and belly pain. These flu symptoms usually last for three to four days, but cough and redness may linger
for up to two weeks a er the fever has gone away. Other family members or close contacts o en have a similar ill‐
ness.
What About Flu Symptoms in Infants and Toddlers?
In young children, seasonal flu symptoms may be similar to
those of other respiratory tract infec ons such as croup, bronchi s, or
pneumonia. Abdominal pain, vomi ng, and diarrhea are frequently ob‐
served in young children. Vomi ng tends to be more significant than
diarrhea. Fever is usually high and irritability may be prominent.
Because young children are at increased risk of ge ng severe flu
complica ons, the CDC recommends that all children aged older than 6
months get a seasonal flu vaccine every year.
Are There Complica ons Associated With the Flu?
According to the CDC, complica ons of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infec ons, sinus infec ons,
dehydra on, and worsening of chronic medical condi ons such as conges ve heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
This ar cle is intended for informa onal purposes only and should not be considered medical advise. Please consult
with your primary care provider for all medical advise.