When our beloved child suddenly has a fever and is having a hard time, mom and dad’s heart burns.
Especially during the changing seasons or winter, many children suffer from infant flu, so we worry even more.
Sometimes it’s hard to decide whether to just ignore it as a simple cold or take them to the hospital.
Today, we’ll take a close look at infant flu to protect our children from the risk of infant flu and deal with it wisely.
🔍 Infant flu, how is it different from a cold?
People often confuse flu with a cold. Although both are respiratory diseases, there are clear differences in the cause of the virus and the severity of the symptoms.
| Classification | Flu (Influenza) | Cold (Acute Rhinopharyngitis) |
| Causative Virus | Influenza virus (types A, B, C) | Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, etc. 200 types |
| Onset period | Mainly winter, epidemic | Can occur regardless of season |
| Onset of symptoms | Sudden and severe | Appears gradually and symptoms are mild |
| Main symptoms | High fever (38℃ or higher, sudden onset), Muscle pain, headache, chills, general weakness, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose. | Low fever or no fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing |
| Risk of complications | Pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, encephalitis, etc. High | Rare |
| Treatment | Antiviral treatment (recommended within 48 hours of onset) | Symptomatic treatment (rest, fluid intake, antipyretics, etc.) |
As you can see in the table, infant influenza tends to have much more severe symptoms and appear suddenly than colds. In particular, if you often complain of muscle pain, headache, and general weakness along with high fever, you should suspect the flu.
🦠 Causes and infection routes of infant flu
The main cause of infant flu is the influenza virus.
This virus mainly spreads into the air through droplets (saliva droplets) that are expelled when the patient coughs, sneezes, or speaks, and a healthy child inhales these droplets or touches their eyes, nose, or mouth with hands contaminated with the virus, becoming infected.
In daycare centers or kindergartens where children live together, the frequency of contact is high, so the influenza virus can spread more easily.
In addition, if there is a family member with the flu, the risk of infection is very high.
🚨 Don’t miss the main symptoms of infant flu!
If your child shows the following symptoms, it is important to suspect infant flu and visit a hospital immediately for treatment.
Sudden high fever (38℃ or higher): It does not go down easily even with fever-reducing medication, and the fever may fluctuate. Severe muscle pain and body aches: They may express themselves as “my whole body aches” or “my legs hurt” or appear more tired than usual. Young babies may whine, not eat well, or have trouble sleeping.
Headache: They may complain of a headache or frequently hold their head.
Chills: They may shiver and feel cold.
Weakness and fatigue: They may appear less energetic than usual, lethargic, or easily tired.
Dry cough: They may have a dry cough with little phlegm repeatedly.
Sore throat: They may complain of a sore or sore throat and have difficulty swallowing food.
Runny nose and stuffy nose: They may have clear nasal discharge at first, but it may become sticky or yellow over time. They may also have difficulty breathing or sleeping due to nasal congestion.
Vomiting and diarrhea: Young babies may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea along with fever.
⚠️ In particular, you should visit the hospital immediately in the following cases!
Infants under 6 months of age
If the fever persists or does not go down even after taking antipyretics
If respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and severe coughing are severe
If symptoms of dehydration (decreased urine output, dry lips, lack of tears, etc.) are observed
If neurological symptoms such as convulsions and decreased consciousness are observed
If suffering from chronic diseases (heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.)
💊 Diagnosis and treatment of infant influenza
Infant influenza is mainly diagnosed through a doctor’s examination and symptom confirmation.
If necessary, a rapid antigen test can be used to quickly check for influenza virus infection. This test collects nasal mucus or throat samples and provides results in about 15 minutes.
Treatment of infant influenza is centered on administering antiviral drugs.
Antiviral drugs suppress the proliferation of the influenza virus, helping to alleviate symptoms and shorten the recovery period. It is most effective when administered within 48 hours of onset, and the exact dosage and period of use must be followed according to the doctor’s prescription.
In addition to antiviral drugs, the following symptomatic treatment can be used to relieve the child’s discomfort.
Adequate rest: Help the child rest comfortably and restore immunity.
Replenishment of fluids: Prevent dehydration by frequently drinking lukewarm water, barley tea, electrolyte drinks, etc.
Antipyretics: If the child is suffering from a high fever, administer an appropriate dosage of antipyretics according to the doctor’s instructions. (Acetaminophen or ibuprofen series)
Runny nose and nasal congestion relief: Use a saline spray or humidifier to keep the nasal mucosa moist, and use a runny nose medicine according to the doctor’s prescription if necessary.
Relieve sore throat: Have the child drink warm water or honey water (for children over 1 year of age) little by little.
🚫 Caution! Aspirin can cause a serious complication called Reye’s syndrome in children with viral infections, so it should never be used.
🛡️ Infant Flu, Thorough Prevention is the Best!
Infant flu is highly contagious, so prevention is the most important.
Please keep your child safe from the flu by consistently practicing the following preventive measures.
Annual flu vaccination: The most effective preventive measure is for all children over 6 months old to receive a flu vaccination every fall.
Proper hand washing habits: Develop the habit of washing your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for more than 30 seconds. Teach them to always wash their hands after going out, before and after meals, and after coughing or sneezing.
Coughing and sneezing etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and immediately throw away the used tissue. If you covered it with your hand, be sure to wash your hands.
Wearing a mask: Wearing a mask is helpful in crowded places or poorly ventilated spaces. This is especially important during the flu season. Strict personal hygiene: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, etc. with your hands, and do not share personal items (cups, towels, etc.) with others.
Ventilate and maintain cleanliness: Ventilate and clean indoors frequently to reduce the concentration of viruses.
Adequate water intake and healthy lifestyle habits: Strengthen your immunity through regular life, sufficient sleep, and balanced nutrition.
Avoid contact with patients with the flu: Avoid close contact with patients with the flu as much as possible, and in unavoidable cases, pay attention to personal protection such as wearing a mask.
❤️ Let’s work together to make our beloved children spend the winter healthy!
Infant influenza presents a difficult time for children, but it can be overcome sufficiently with quick diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and thorough prevention.
Please remember that careful observation and active response by mom and dad are the greatest strengths for our children to spend the winter healthy.
If your child shows symptoms of the flu, please do not hesitate and be sure to visit a hospital and receive treatment from a specialist. We support your healthy parenting! 💪
🌡️ My child suddenly has a fever? Infant flu A to Z (Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention) 🤧
When our beloved child suddenly has a fever and is having a hard time, mom and dad’s heart burns.
Especially during the changing seasons or winter, many children suffer from infant flu, so we worry even more.
Sometimes it’s hard to decide whether to just ignore it as a simple cold or take them to the hospital.
Today, we’ll take a close look at infant flu to protect our children from the risk of infant flu and deal with it wisely.
🔍 Infant flu, how is it different from a cold?
People often confuse flu with a cold. Although both are respiratory diseases, there are clear differences in the cause of the virus and the severity of the symptoms.
Classification Flu (Influenza) Cold (Acute Rhinopharyngitis)
Causative Virus Influenza virus (types A, B, C) Rhinovirus, adenovirus, etc. 200 types
Onset Mainly winter, can occur regardless of epidemic season
Symptoms Onset Sudden and severe Appear gradually and mild
Main symptoms High fever (38℃ or higher, sudden onset), muscle pain, headache, chills, general weakness, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose Low fever or no fever, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing
Risk of complications Pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, encephalitis, etc. High Rare
Treatment Antiviral treatment (recommended within 48 hours of onset) Symptomatic treatment (rest, fluid intake, fever reducers, etc.)
As you can see in the table, infant influenza tends to have much more severe symptoms and appear suddenly than colds. In particular, if you often complain of muscle pain, headache, and general weakness along with high fever, you should suspect the flu.
🦠 Causes and infection routes of infant flu
The main cause of infant flu is the influenza virus.
This virus mainly spreads into the air through droplets (saliva droplets) that are expelled when the patient coughs, sneezes, or speaks, and a healthy child inhales these droplets or touches their eyes, nose, or mouth with hands contaminated with the virus, becoming infected.
In daycare centers or kindergartens where children live together, the frequency of contact is high, so the influenza virus can spread more easily.
In addition, if there is a family member with the flu, the risk of infection is very high.
🚨 Don’t miss the main symptoms of infant flu!
If your child shows the following symptoms, it is important to suspect infant flu and visit a hospital immediately for treatment.
Sudden high fever (38℃ or higher): It does not go down easily even with fever-reducing medication, and the fever may fluctuate. Severe muscle pain and body aches: They may express themselves as “my whole body aches” or “my legs hurt” or appear more tired than usual. Young babies may whine, not eat well, or have trouble sleeping.
Headache: They may complain of a headache or frequently hold their head.
Chills: They may shiver and feel cold.
Weakness and fatigue: They may appear less energetic than usual, lethargic, or easily tired.
Dry cough: They may have a dry cough with little phlegm repeatedly.
Sore throat: They may complain of a sore or sore throat and have difficulty swallowing food.
Runny nose and stuffy nose: They may have clear nasal discharge at first, but it may become sticky or yellow over time. They may also have difficulty breathing or sleeping due to nasal congestion.
Vomiting and diarrhea: Young babies may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea along with fever.
⚠️ In particular, you should visit the hospital immediately in the following cases!
Infants under 6 months of age
If the fever persists or does not go down even after taking antipyretics
If respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and severe coughing are severe
If symptoms of dehydration (decreased urine output, dry lips, lack of tears, etc.) are observed
If neurological symptoms such as convulsions and decreased consciousness are observed
If suffering from chronic diseases (heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.)
💊 Diagnosis and treatment of infant influenza
Infant influenza is mainly diagnosed through a doctor’s examination and symptom confirmation.
If necessary, a rapid antigen test can be used to quickly check for influenza virus infection. This test collects nasal mucus or throat samples and provides results in about 15 minutes.
Treatment of infant influenza is centered on administering antiviral drugs.
Antiviral drugs suppress the proliferation of the influenza virus, helping to alleviate symptoms and shorten the recovery period. It is most effective when administered within 48 hours of onset, and the exact dosage and period of use must be followed according to the doctor’s prescription.
In addition to antiviral drugs, the following symptomatic treatment can be used to relieve the child’s discomfort.
Adequate rest: Help the child rest comfortably and restore immunity.
Replenishment of fluids: Prevent dehydration by frequently drinking lukewarm water, barley tea, electrolyte drinks, etc.
Antipyretics: If the child is suffering from a high fever, administer an appropriate dosage of antipyretics according to the doctor’s instructions. (Acetaminophen or ibuprofen series)
Runny nose and nasal congestion relief: Use a saline spray or humidifier to keep the nasal mucosa moist, and use a runny nose medicine according to the doctor’s prescription if necessary.
Relieve sore throat: Have the child drink warm water or honey water (for children over 1 year of age) little by little.
🚫 Caution! Aspirin can cause a serious complication called Reye’s syndrome in children with viral infections, so it should never be used.
🛡️ Infant Flu, Thorough Prevention is the Best!
Infant flu is highly contagious, so prevention is the most important.
Please keep your child safe from the flu by consistently practicing the following preventive measures.
Annual flu vaccination: The most effective preventive measure is for all children over 6 months old to receive a flu vaccination every fall.
Proper hand washing habits: Develop the habit of washing your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for more than 30 seconds. Teach them to always wash their hands after going out, before and after meals, and after coughing or sneezing.
Coughing and sneezing etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and immediately throw away the used tissue. If you covered it with your hand, be sure to wash your hands.
Wearing a mask: Wearing a mask is helpful in crowded places or poorly ventilated spaces. This is especially important during the flu season. Strict personal hygiene: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, etc. with your hands, and do not share personal items (cups, towels, etc.) with others.
Ventilate and maintain cleanliness: Ventilate and clean indoors frequently to reduce the concentration of viruses.
Adequate water intake and healthy lifestyle habits: Strengthen your immunity through regular life, sufficient sleep, and balanced nutrition.
Avoid contact with patients with the flu: Avoid close contact with patients with the flu as much as possible, and in unavoidable cases, pay attention to personal protection such as wearing a mask.
❤️ Let’s work together to make our beloved children spend the winter healthy!
Infant influenza presents a difficult time for children, but it can be overcome sufficiently with quick diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and thorough prevention.
Please remember that careful observation and active response by mom and dad are the greatest strengths for our children to spend the winter healthy.
If your child shows symptoms of the flu, please do not hesitate and be sure to visit a hospital and receive treatment from a specialist. We support your healthy parenting! 💪
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