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Sorry to hear you or your kiddo has the flu (influenza). It may take a couple of weeks to fully bounce back, but the first 3 days should be the worst of it. Read on for a clinically-vetted care guide to feel better, faster.
Medication-free Options
- Fluids! Increase your (or your child’s) fluid intake. This is always important when battling an illness because it helps our body do its job more efficiently. It also helps if you’re dealing with a stuffy nose - if you’re well-hydrated, it helps thin out the mucus and makes it easier to remove with nose-blowing, or suctioning for our little ones.
*If you aren’t experiencing any stomach distress (nausea, vomiting or diarrhea), whatever you want to drink is great. Water, tea, broth, popsicles - these are always soothing options when we aren’t feeling well.
*If you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, stick with water, half-strength Gatorade or ice chips.
- Epsom salt bath to ease muscle and body aches. Add 1-2 cups of epsom salt to warm bath water.
- Cool-mist humidifiers can help a stuffy nose, cough or sore throat.
- Hard candy can take the place of a cough drop for anyone 6 years or older.
- A salt water gargle can help with a sore throat in anyone 6 years and older. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt with 8 oz of warm water. Gargle and spit it out!
- Sleep! Top off your tank with extra sleep. Our bodies heal faster while we are sleeping.
Medication Options
- 0-3 months old: If you already know your little one has the flu, you’ve likely spoken with their doctor. Follow their treatment plan!
- 3-6 months old: You may give acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort or if a moderate fever develops (>100℉/37.8°C underarm or >102℉/38.9°C rectally).
- 6 months and older: You may give (or take) ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort or if a moderate fever develops (>100℉/37.8°C underarm, >101℉/38.3°C under the tongue, >102℉/38.9°C rectally or in the ear).
- 18 years and older: You may have aspirin to help with a moderate fever or discomfort.
- Cough and cold medications should be avoided for children under 6 years old. Even in children under 12 years old (and I’d argue - any age), try one of the natural remedies above first, if you can. The safety and efficacy of cough and cold medications have not been proven. If you decide to give/take some, check your dosing and ingredient list closely and don’t mix-and-match a bunch of medications (biggest example: a lot of these have acetaminophen in them, so you don’t want to give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) AND cough syrup).
- Antivirals, such as Tamiflu, are prescribed by your doctor, typically within the first 48 hours of the illness. Note: they don't eliminate symptoms but reduce their severity. In low-risk, healthy children, the flu generally runs its course without antivirals needed. However, antivirals are often recommended for kids 0-5 years old, and for adults over 65 years old. Antivirals may also be indicated for anyone who has underlying conditions or is considered high-risk (heart conditions, diabetes, asthma, immunocompromised, pregnant women).
When to Call the Doctor
Again, since you know you or your child has the flu, I trust you’ve spoken to your doctor. Their guidance supersedes ours here but if they didn’t give you guidelines or you’re unsure, here’s a list of reasons to give your doctor a call back:
- If the cough and/or flu symptoms carry on past 3 weeks
- Any fever >99℉/37.2°C underarm or >100.4℉/38.0°C rectally in our 0-6 month olds
- A high fever (>102℉/38.9°C underarm, >103℉/39.4°C under the tongue, >104℉/40.0°C rectally or in the ear) in anyone over 6 months old
- Any fever lasting longer than 3 days
- Signs of dehydration (no peeing for 6-8 hours for kiddos or 12 hours for adults)
- If you or your child has severe pain and can’t find relief (throat, ear, sinus); always good to rule out an infection
Head to the ER if you or your kiddo ever has trouble breathing (wheezing, rapid breathing, blue or gray lips), altered mental status or decreased responsiveness.
How to Prevent This From Spreading
The flu is most contagious in the first 3-4 days of having flu symptoms, but you can spread it 1 day before symptoms appear and up to 5-7 days after symptoms appear.
If someone is already sick in the house, the best things to do are increase handwashing, disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and keep the sick one isolated in one bedroom of the home, if possible. Anyone in the household should wear a mask if they need to be around the person who has the flu.
If you haven't yet gotten your flu vaccine and saw how yucky this made your family member feel, it's not too late to get it and prevent future infections in your household. I’ve got an article here for you if you’d like more info for your family.
Treatment for Other Symptoms
As you know, the flu comes with a multitude of symptoms. In addition to the comfort tips I provided above, I’ve written care guides for other common symptoms you or your child might be experiencing because of the flu. Additionally, if you enter your symptoms in the Kinsa app, you’ll see home remedy tips for most of them!
Click on any of the links below for more in-depth symptom guidance:
I hope everyone feels better in no time!
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