Influenza, or the flu, is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu season usually lasts from November through April.
Influenza is not the "stomach flu." Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea are caused by other viruses or bacteria and are rarely related to influenza.
Symptoms, which may start quickly, include:
Your child's health care provider will do a general exam and may test to see if the virus is in your child's nose.
In general, treatment for the flu includes:
Antibiotics will not work on viruses.
Make sure your child:
Have your child (6 months or older) get an influenza vaccine each year. Ask your health care provider for details.
Parents of babies younger than 6 months old should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of influenza to their child. Children younger than six months old can't receive the vaccine
Influenza is a serious disease. Each year, children and adults die from influenza.
Call your health care provider if your child has signs of other infection:
Call your health care provider if your child doesn't seem to improve in three to four days as most children show signs of getting better by this time. Your child will fully recover in 7 to 10 days.