My child has influenza: what should I do? (Flu in children - vaccinated vs. unvaccinated)

Influenza (flu) in children often begins suddenly with high fever, severe body aches and pains, and a cough. Many children recover after a few days – however, sometimes the flu can lead to complications such as middle ear infections or pneumonia.

This article explains how to recognize influenza in children, what you can do at home, when you need to see a doctor – and how the course of the illness can differ between vaccinated and unvaccinated children.

If your child has influenza: Ensure they get rest, drink plenty of fluids, and administer fever reducers (paracetamol/ibuprofen) if needed. Watch for warning signs such as shortness of breath, refusal to drink, or significant lethargy. Vaccinated children often experience milder cases, while unvaccinated children more frequently have more severe symptoms and a higher risk of complications.

What is influenza in children?

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious viral infection (usually influenza A or B). It differs significantly from a common cold:

• sudden beginning

• high fever

• severe feeling of illness

• Cough and headache/body aches

➡️ Especially in young children, influenza can be very stressful and lead to complications.

Influenza symptoms in children: typical signs

Many parents ask: "Does my child just have an infection or does it really have influenza?"

Typical symptoms of influenza in children are:

✅ Sudden high fever (often > 39 °C)

✅ Child appears really ill ("lying flat")

✅ Cough, often dry

✅ Sore throat

✅ Headaches and body aches (in young children more likely restless, whiny, lethargic)

✅ sometimes chills

In babies and toddlers, the following are also common:

• Drinking difficulties

• Vomiting / Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• very severe fatigue or unusual irritability

My child has the flu – what should I do at home?

1) Rest and sleep

The body needs rest. No sports, no daycare/school, minimal stress.

2) Drink plenty of fluids

Fluids are the most important thing when you have a fever. Suitable fluids include:

• Water

• tea

• diluted juices

• In case of vomiting/diarrhea: electrolyte/rehydration solution

💡 Important: Drinking is more important than eating.

3) Treat fever correctly

Fever is a normal immune response. Reducing it is advisable if:

• the child is clearly suffering

• It drinks/sleeps poorly

• severe pain exists

Suitable medications (depending on age/weight):

• Paracetamol

• Ibuprofen

🚫 No ASS in children.

4) Soothe cough and nose

• Saline spray / nasal rinse (age-dependent)

• inhale with saline solution

• Honey is suitable for children 1 year and older (not for infants!).

5) Reduce infection

Influenza is highly contagious. Helpful:

• Ventilate frequently

• Wash your hands

• separate towels/cups

• Reduce close contact with babies in the household as much as possible.

Vaccinated vs. unvaccinated: Difference in the course of influenza

Influenza despite vaccination – how is that possible?

The flu vaccine does not provide 100% protection against infection, but it often reduces:

• Severity of the illness

• Complications

• Hospital stays

Influenza in vaccinated children (course)

Vaccinated children often have:

• shorter fever

• less severe symptoms

• faster recovery

➡️ In most cases, symptomatic treatment at home + observation is sufficient.

⚠️ Nevertheless: Even vaccinated children can become seriously ill (e.g. infants or children with pre-existing conditions).

Influenza in unvaccinated children (course)

Unvaccinated children are more likely to have:

• higher or longer-lasting fever

• more severe cough and exhaustion

• increased risk of complications (e.g., pneumonia)

➡️ In unvaccinated children, warning signs should be taken more seriously, and medical advice should be sought earlier if there is any uncertainty.

Which children have an increased risk of influenza?

Influenza is particularly relevant in cases of:

• Infants (especially < 6 months)

• children with asthma or chronic lung diseases

• Heart defects/heart diseases

• neurological diseases

• Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes)

• Immunosuppression / Cancer treatment

• severe kidney or liver disease

➡️ Early medical assessment is particularly important for these children.

When does my child need to see a doctor if they have influenza?

Same-day doctor's appointment if:

• your child is under 12 months old and appears clearly ill

• It drinks poorly or has hardly any urine/diapers.

• is very dull or unusually sleepy

• the fever remains very high or you are unsure

• your child is a risk child

Warning signs: When is influenza in children an emergency?

🚨 Go to an emergency room / 112 immediately if:

• Shortness of breath (retractions, rapid breathing, nasal flaring)

• bluish lips or very pale/grey skin

• The child is barely responsive or seems "out of it".

• seizures

• Severe dehydration: very little urine, dry mouth, no tears

• sudden severe deterioration after a brief improvement

Are there medications for influenza? (Oseltamivir for children)

There are antiviral medications (e.g., oseltamivir) that may be useful for certain children, especially:

• in severe cases

• in at-risk children

• if started very early (ideally within 48 hours)

➡️ The pediatrician decides whether this is necessary.

How long is influenza contagious in children?

A child is usually contagious:

• from 1 day before symptom onset

• until about 5–7 days after the start

• sometimes longer with small children

Daycare/School:

Go back again if:

✅ Fever-free without fever reducers

✅ General condition good

✅ Eating/drinking works

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Influenza in children

Is influenza dangerous for children?

It usually heals well, but can cause complications (e.g., pneumonia). Infants and at-risk children need to be monitored particularly closely.

Does my child need antibiotics for influenza?

No – antibiotics do not help against viruses. They are only used if a bacterial infection develops in addition.

Can my child still get influenza despite being vaccinated?

Yes, that's possible. However, vaccination usually significantly reduces the likelihood of severe cases and complications.

What is the most important thing at home?

Drink enough fluids and take warning signs (shortness of breath, refusal to drink, apathy) seriously.

Conclusion: Influenza in children – how to act correctly

✅ Vaccinated children: often milder course, but observation is still necessary.

❌ Unvaccinated children: more frequent and severe illness – better to consult a doctor early.

🚨 Emergency in case of shortness of breath, poor drinking, severe apathy