Our team at Baystate Health has carefully reviewed this article to ensure its medical accuracy.
View the profile of Charlotte M. Boney, MD
Recognizing when a sick child with flu-like symptoms needs medical attention can be challenging. Understanding which flu symptoms are more severe can guide you in deciding when to seek medical help for your child.
Emergency symptoms of the flu in children may include:
- Uncontrollable irritability
- Difficulty breathing and a persistent cough
- Stiffness in the neck
- Confusion
If your child exhibits any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to take them to the nearest emergency room for immediate evaluation. However, most healthy children with flu-like symptoms can be managed at home or by their primary care physician. It is recommended to consult with your pediatrician before visiting the emergency room.
Hospitals specializing in pediatric care, such as Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield, are currently facing a surge in respiratory illness cases, leading to full occupancy in their wards and emergency rooms.
Massachusetts is currently experiencing a high level of flu activity, as indicated by the CDC’s flu activity map.
“Our region is witnessing a notable increase in cases of influenza in addition to abnormally high rates of other respiratory viruses. These viruses can result in mild to severe symptoms. It is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu and receive a COVID-19 booster,” advises Dr. Charlotte Boney, Chief Pediatrician at Baystate Children’s Hospital. She emphasizes the importance of consulting with a pediatrician before heading to the emergency department for care.
If your child is sick, it’s important to monitor their symptoms closely and seek medical attention if necessary. In addition to the symptoms listed above, other warning signs that indicate a trip to the pediatric emergency room may be necessary include difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, seizure, or any other concerning symptoms.
It’s important to trust your instincts as a parent and seek medical help if you feel that your child’s condition is serious. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health.
Flu, RSV, and Other Respiratory Bugs
The surge in respiratory illnesses at the beginning of fall, leading to overwhelmed hospitals, is attributed to viruses such as RSV, enterovirus, and rhinovirus.
RSV is a common respiratory virus causing mild cold-like symptoms. However, it can be severe, especially for infants and older adults, often leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children.
Rhinoviruses, the most common cause of the common cold, can trigger asthma attacks and are linked to sinus and ear infections.
Common Flu Symptoms in Kids
A child with the flu typically experiences:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
When to seek medical help
If your child has a fever and:
- Is younger than 3 months old
- Has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher
- Has other symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, or persistent vomiting
- Has a chronic medical condition or weakened immune system
Seek medical help immediately.
It is important to monitor your child’s fever and symptoms closely and consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure about the best course of action.
Preventing the spread of infections
To prevent the spread of infections, encourage handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing.
Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze.
Keep your child at home if they are sick to prevent spreading the infection to others.
By following these guidelines and seeking medical help when necessary, you can help your child recover from a fever and respiratory symptoms more quickly and prevent the spread of infections to others.
What are the complications of fever in children?
Fevers in children can occasionally lead to seizures, known as febrile seizures, typically occurring in children between 6 months and 6 years of age.
Febrile seizures are common among children with simple viral infections.
While most febrile seizures are harmless, consulting a doctor is advised to rule out serious infections.
In addition to febrile seizures, high fevers in children can also lead to dehydration, especially if the child is not drinking enough fluids. It is important to encourage the child to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
In some cases, fevers in children can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as bacterial infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections. It is important to monitor the child’s symptoms and seek medical attention if the fever is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Fevers can also cause discomfort and irritability in children, making it difficult for them to rest and recover. It is important to keep the child comfortable and provide them with appropriate treatment to help reduce their fever and alleviate any associated symptoms.
Can fever be prevented?
Majority of childhood fevers stem from viral or bacterial infections. Prevent infections by:
- Covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid sharing utensils with unwell individuals.
- Keep sick children at home.
- Make sure your child is up to date with vaccinations.
Resources and Support
Learn about childhood fever from resources like the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne or the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, available in multiple languages.
Contact the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 for assistance from a registered nurse.
Recognizing the need for emergency care for fever can lead to improved health outcomes.
The normal body temperature varies, with a fever usually being 100°F or higher.
Though fevers are common, specific symptoms, especially in babies and young children, may require a visit to the hospital.
When to go to the emergency room for a fever
If your child has a fever, understand that it indicates the immune system is combating an infection. Watch for emergency signs to determine the need for a hospital visit.
When should I bring my child to the ER for a fever?
Measure your child’s temperature using various methods, and consult a pediatrician before heading to the emergency room.
Seek immediate help if your child’s temperature exceeds 105°F.
Newborns to adolescents
If your child’s temperature is 100.4°F or higher and they experience rapid breathing, difficulty swallowing, or other alarming symptoms, visit the emergency room.
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Difficulty waking up
- Nonstop crying
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Seizure
- Severe headache
When should an adult go to the ER for a fever?
In healthy adults, fevers are typically not dangerous. Seek medical help if your fever exceeds 103°F and is accompanied by confusion or difficulty breathing.
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Severe pain
Fever in those with autoimmune diseases
Recurring fever is a common symptom of autoimmune diseases, while some medications can also induce fever. Consult a doctor if you have a high fever along with other symptoms.
Fever after travel
Fever following travel may be due to viral infections, including malaria. Prompt treatment is crucial if you develop a fever after traveling from malaria-prone regions.
Understanding when to seek emergency care for fever, especially in young children, can lead to better outcomes.
Understanding normal temperatures in children can help in effectively managing a child’s fever.
Normal temperature for babies and children
Infants typically have an average temperature of around 36.4°C, but this can vary based on activity and clothing.
Some children naturally have higher body temperatures, so knowing their baseline temperature is beneficial.
What is a fever?
A fever is characterized by a temperature of 38°C or higher, usually accompanied by other symptoms.
Watch for signs of fever in your child and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Fever symptoms
Common fever symptoms include feeling cold, flushed cheeks, abdominal discomfort, irritability, and swollen glands.
When to call a doctor for a fever
Most fevers resolve within a few days, but seek medical help if your child is under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher.
If your child is between 3 to 6 months old with a temperature of 39°C or higher and displays signs of illness like a rash, has had a prolonged fever, lacks appetite, and Paracetamol is ineffective, watch for signs of dehydration. Contact emergency services if your child experiences specific symptoms. Trust your instincts and monitor their temperature. Seek immediate help for febrile seizures. Fevers may be caused by infections or conditions like whooping cough, scarlet fever, or meningitis. Keep an eye on your child’s temperature, offer fluids, food, and dress appropriately. If concerned, consult a healthcare professional. Always trust your instincts in seeking help.
Causes of a fever in babies and children:
– Respiratory tract infections
– Kidney or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
– Whooping cough (pertussis)
– Roseola – fever with pinkish-red spots
– Scarlet fever – followed by a rough skin rash
– Sepsis – symptoms of sepsis with fever and rash
– Meningitis – fever and rash that doesn’t fade
Remember, you know your child best.
Fever treatment for children and babies:
When your child has a fever, administer either ibuprofen or paracetamol, not both. Paracetamol is suitable for post-immunisation fever. Keep your child hydrated, monitor their temperature, provide food, and dress them appropriately. Trust your instincts and seek assistance if necessary.
4 Tips for looking after your little one at home:
– Ensure they drink plenty of fluids
– Offer food
– Keep track of their temperature
– Dress them appropriately
Coronavirus:
If you suspect your child may have COVID-19 symptoms, trust your instincts and seek medical help.
Health Visitor
Dawn Kelly
Dawn is a qualified paediatric nurse, health visitor, and lecturer with over 25 years’ experience. She provides helpful advice on child health and development. This HCP does not endorse Calpol.
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Do not use multiple products with paracetamol simultaneously.
CALPOL products containing paracetamol include Infant Original Suspension, Infant Suspension Sachets, Sugar Free Infant Suspension, Sugar Free Infant Suspension Sachets, and Infant Sugar Free Colour Free 120mg/5ml Oral Suspension. They can be used in infants aged 2 months and older, weighing over 4kg and not premature, for pain and fever. CALPOL SIXPLUS™ Sugar Free Suspension and CALPOL SIXPLUS™ Fastmelts, containing paracetamol, are suitable for children aged 6 years and older, for pain and fever. CALPROFEN Ibuprofen Suspension, containing ibuprofen, can be used in infants aged 3 months and older, weighing over 5Kg, for pain and fever. CALCOUGH Infant Syrup, containing glycerol, is suitable for infants aged 3 months and older, for dry cough. CALCOUGH Children’s Syrup is suitable for children over one year old, for cough. CALGEL Teething Gel, containing an anaesthetic and antiseptic, is suitable for infants aged 5 months and older, for short-term use of no more than 7 days, when non-medicinal methods have not provided relief. Always read the label.
CALPOL Blocked Nose Spray (from 3 years) is for congestion relief. CALPOL Saline Nasal Spray and CALPOL Saline Nasal Drops (from birth) are for congestion relief. CALPOL Vapour Plug & Nightlight (from 3 months) helps with clear and easy breathing. Non-medicinal options. Always read the label.
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Last updated: March 2025
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