The word “flu” is confusing as a parent.
Anytime a kid is sick or even every time a child vomits people may use the word “the stomach flu”.
This makes things confusing, because really there is only one virus called Influenza. Every year, usually between October-February there is spike in Flu.
It’s really common to have questions about how high the fever gets, should I get my kid tested and what is normal.
It doesn’t need to be so confusing, let’s review the facts and common questions about the flu.
My child has such a high fever with the flu!
When kids have the flu, parents definitely notice the fever is higher and symptoms can last longer.
Children can commonly have:
- A “high” fever
- Temperature of > 102F is not uncommon. When this happens children can often have “chills” or shakes as the have a fever. See article on how to treat fever
- Fever can last for 7 days!
- While this is normal in many kids with flu, it is important that children be able to maintain drinking during this time.
- Complaints of muscle aches, especially in the calves is a common symptom in children
- Children are very tired and really want to lay in bed all day
- Younger children may have more vomiting
Is this fever too high? Can it cause a seizure?
While febrile seizures can occur with any virus (including the flu) in children between 6 months and 5 years, children tend to do well with febrile seizures.
There are many questions about febrile seizures, read more here.