What Are Flu Symptoms in Babies? And Important Tips For Parents

While the flu can develop anytime, October through May is the most likely time to contract the highly contagious viral infection. As the dad of four children born during flu season, I fully understand how it can be a time of added stress, especially when a child suddenly gets sick.

Because of their developing immune systems, infants are more vulnerable to severe complications from the flu, and early intervention can go a long way toward ensuring your child’s safety.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of the flu in babies is crucial for ensuring prompt medical attention and proper care. However, distinguishing between the flu and other common illnesses, such as the cold, can be challenging.

If your child suddenly becomes ill, I recommend contacting their pediatrician or visiting a prompt care ER as soon as possible if their symptoms are severe or match any of the troubling symptoms I’ve listed in this article.

To get you started, I’ve highlighted the most common flu symptoms in babies, along with other information you need to know as the parent of a baby or infant.

What Is The Flu?

The flu, short for influenza, is a viral infection primarily affecting the respiratory system—the nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by influenza viruses, which are classified into types A, B, and C. Types A and B are responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics that occur each year. In contrast, type C typically causes milder respiratory illnesses.

The flu can be particularly severe in babies, as their immune systems are still developing and less capable of fighting infections. Infants under 6 months old are at the highest risk for serious flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, dehydration, and even death. This is why parents need to be vigilant about protecting their babies from the flu and recognizing the signs and symptoms early on.

It’s important to note that the flu is not the same as the common cold, although they share some similar symptoms. The flu tends to come on more suddenly and causes more intense symptoms, such as high fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue. In contrast, colds usually develop gradually and are characterized by milder symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a low-grade fever.

What Are The Typical Signs And Symptoms Of Flu In Babies?

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of the flu in babies is crucial for ensuring timely medical care and preventing complications. However, identifying the flu in infants can be challenging, as they cannot verbally communicate their discomfort. Parents and caregivers must be attentive to changes in their baby’s behavior and overall health.

Below are common flu symptoms in babies. Following the list of common symptoms, I’ve included information on when to contact your doctor or seek immediate medical care.

• High fever: A temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher is a common sign of the flu in babies.
• Cough and sore throat: Babies with the flu may develop a persistent, dry cough and exhibit signs of a sore throat, such as refusing to feed or crying during feedings.
• Runny or stuffy nose: Nasal discharge and congestion are common flu symptoms in babies, making breathing and feeding more difficult.
• Fatigue and irritability: Flu can cause extreme tiredness and fussiness in babies, making them less active and more difficult to console.
• Decreased appetite and difficulty feeding: Infants with the flu may have a reduced interest in feeding, leading to decreased milk or formula intake and potential dehydration.
• Fever above 104°F at any age.
• Vomiting and diarrhea: Although more commonly associated with stomach flu, some babies with influenza may experience vomiting and diarrhea.
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing: If your baby is breathing fast, has labored breathing, or experiences chest retractions (when the skin pulls in around the ribs or collarbone with each breath), seek medical attention immediately, as these may be signs of a more serious complication.
• Bluish or gray skin color.
• Will not wake up or will not interact when awake.
• Seizures.
• They become so irritable that they don’t want to be held.

It’s important to note that not all babies with the flu will exhibit all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary from one infant to another.

When Should You Seek Medical Care For Your Baby’s Flu Symptoms?

While most babies with the flu can be cared for at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention.

Temperatures that require immediate medical attention:

• Under 3 months: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher may signal a serious infection or disease.
• Between 3 and 6 months: A temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or above.
• Over 6 months: A temperature exceeding 103°F (39.4°C) requires prompt attention.

Monitor your baby closely, checking their temperature frequently. I suggest writing down their temperature and maintaining a log of their symptoms and the timeframe for those symptoms, which you can provide to your healthcare provider if medical intervention is required.

If your baby is experiencing any of the following flu symptoms, seek medical attention  immediately:

• Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath: Trouble catching your breath or shortness of breath can signal severe respiratory distress.
• Chest Pain or Pressure: Persistent chest pain or pressure may indicate complications such as pneumonia or even heart-related issues. This can be harder to diagnose in babies since they can’t verbally communicate their distress.
• Bluish Lips or Face: This discoloration suggests that oxygen levels may be low, requiring urgent care.
• Severe or Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: This can lead to dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes.
• Rapid Worsening After Initial Improvement: Sometimes, symptoms seem to improve before suddenly deteriorating, which could indicate a secondary infection or complication.
• Dehydration: Infants especially are at high risk if they show signs of dehydration or difficulty feeding.
• Excessive Lethargy or Unresponsiveness: If your baby is unusually drowsy, difficult to wake, or seems unresponsive, it’s a big red flag.

Remember, trust your instincts as a parent. If you feel something is wrong with your baby or you are concerned about their symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician for guidance or call 911 if symptoms are severe.

How Can You Tell If It’s The Flu Or A Cold?

Distinguishing between the flu and a common cold can be tricky, as both illnesses share some similar symptoms. However, there are a few key differences that can help you determine whether your baby is experiencing the flu or a cold:

• Onset of symptoms: Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly, while cold symptoms usually develop gradually over a few days.
• Fever: Babies with the flu often have a high fever (100°F or higher), while those with a cold may have a low-grade or no fever.
• Severity of symptoms: Flu symptoms are generally more severe than cold symptoms, causing significant discomfort and disrupting the baby’s routine.
• Fatigue: The flu can cause extreme fatigue and lethargy in babies, whereas colds typically lead to mild tiredness.
• Duration of illness: Colds usually resolve within a week to 10 days, while the flu can last longer, often up to two weeks. Of course, don’t wait that long to seek medical care.

It’s important to remember that flu symptoms in babies can be similar to those of other illnesses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or pneumonia.

Always consult your pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis, especially if your baby is younger than 6 months old or has a chronic medical condition that puts them at higher risk for complications.

Your pediatrician will perform a physical exam and possibly a rapid flu test, which involves swabbing the inside of your baby’s nose or throat to detect the presence of the influenza virus. This test can provide results within minutes, helping your doctor determine the best course of treatment for your baby. This is the best way to determine if your baby has the flu or if something else is at play.

How Can You Care For Your Baby At Home If They Have The Flu?

If your baby has been diagnosed with the flu and your pediatrician has determined that home care is appropriate, there are steps you can take to help your little one feel more comfortable and recover faster:

• Ensure plenty of rest: Encourage your baby to get ample sleep and rest, as this helps the body fight off the infection and promotes healing.
• Keep your baby hydrated: Offer frequent feedings of breast milk or formula to prevent dehydration. If your baby is older than 6 months, you can also offer small amounts of water or an oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte) as your pediatrician recommends.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help ease congestion and make breathing more comfortable for your baby. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth.
• Manage fever and discomfort: If your baby is older than 3 months, you can give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help reduce fever and alleviate pain. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package and always consult your pediatrician for guidance. Never give aspirin to children, as it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
• Clear nasal congestion: Use saline drops and a suction bulb to gently remove mucus from your baby’s nose, making it easier for them to breathe and feed. Saline drops can be purchased over the counter or made at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 1/2 cup of warm water.
• Avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medicines: The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against giving over-the-counter cough and cold medications to children under 6 years old, as they can cause potentially serious side effects and have not been proven effective for this age group. Always consult your pediatrician before administering any medications to your baby.

In some cases, your pediatrician may prescribe antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir), to help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. These medications work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, so it’s important to contact your doctor as soon as you suspect your baby has the flu.

In addition to these measures, it’s crucial to monitor your baby’s condition closely and contact your pediatrician if their symptoms worsen or fail to improve after a few days. Your doctor may recommend additional treatments or a follow-up visit to ensure your baby is recovering properly.

How Does The Flu Spread To Babies?

The flu virus spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets released when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby, or they can be inhaled into the lungs. Babies can also contract the flu by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

It’s important to note that people infected with the flu can spread the virus to others before they even know they are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming ill. This means that babies can be exposed to the flu virus from family members, caregivers, or other individuals who may not yet be showing symptoms.

One way to see if the flu is prevalent in your area, which may make you more vigilant in monitoring your baby’s health, is to visit the CDC’s Weekly US Influenza map which clearly shows activity for outpatient respiratory illness.

What Can You Do To Help Prevent Your Baby From Getting The Flu?

Preventing the flu in babies is a top priority for parents and caregivers. While no method is 100% foolproof, there are several steps you can take to reduce your baby’s risk of contracting the flu:

• Get your baby vaccinated: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine yearly. Babies under 6 months are too young to receive the vaccine, but they can gain some protection if their mother gets the flu shot during pregnancy.
• Ensure everyone in your household is vaccinated: By getting the flu vaccine yourself and ensuring that all family members and caregivers are vaccinated, you create a “cocoon” of protection around your baby, reducing their exposure to the virus.
• Practice good hand hygiene: Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before handling your baby or preparing their food. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals: Keep your baby away from people exhibiting flu-like symptoms, and if you are ill, wear a face mask when caring for your baby to minimize the risk of transmission.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, toys, and diaper changing areas, to reduce the spread of germs.
• Breastfeed, if possible: Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby against various infections, including the flu. If you can breastfeed, doing so can provide your baby with an added layer of defense.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Encourage healthy habits for your entire family, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. A strong immune system is essential for fighting off infections like the flu. Just please note that the flu is a virus and eating properly and exercising won’t protect you from actually contracting the virus.

Remember, while these preventive measures can significantly reduce your baby’s risk of contracting the flu, they are not foolproof. If your baby does develop flu-like symptoms, trust your instincts and contact your pediatrician for guidance and support. I sound like a broken record, but early intervention and close monitoring are critical.

If you want more information about the flu, visit the CDC’s flu site or call (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.

While the flu can be a challenging experience for both babies and parents, being informed and prepared can make a significant difference in your little one’s recovery and overall well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this journey; we at Parenting Patch are here to support you every step of the way. Explore parenting resources and articles to support your journey as you navigate the joys and challenges of raising a healthy, happy baby.

The information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not be a replacement for medical care or advice. This info is not intended to diagnose or replace medical treatment.  Consult your doctor if you have any questions about your child’s health. If they are experiencing an emergency, contact 911 or transport them to the nearest emergency room.