Flu symptoms in kids: When should parents take action

Since the onset of novel coronavirus, the prime focus of doctors and medical professionals has remained to be the SARs-COV-2 virus. However, the recent spike in the number of flu cases has alarmed people in many ways. Children continue to remain vulnerable and at great risk of developing severe flu symptoms. This has raised concerns among parents, who are themselves susceptible to the influenza virus. That said, for those of you who are worried about your child's health and safety, here are some important things that you should keep in mind.

Read more: COVID-19 and flu cases rise: How big can be the threat during the winter season?

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had earlier emphasized on how flu cases during 2020-21 were "unusually low". Considering people were masking up, taking necessary measures to stay safe from COVID-19, maintaining distance, it all helped curb the spread of other respiratory illnesses.

However, with the availability of the vaccines, the drop in the number of coronavirus cases, people have become more relaxed and less vigilant, leading to a sudden rise in flu cases too. This has alarmed experts, who have warned against a possible 'twindemic'.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says, "Children younger than 5 years old–especially those younger than 2– are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications." That said, as compared to a common cold, flu infection is more dangerous and concerning for kids.

Read more: How helpful are masks during the ongoing flu season?

When it comes to young children, the illness sets in sooner than you expect and it may start taking a serious toll on your child within the first 2 or 3 days. As per the CDC, getting yourself and your child vaccinated against flu is the best way to keep kids protected.

Symptoms of the flu are wide-ranging. It may include:

- Fever or chills

- Headaches

- Fatigue

- Cough

- Sore throat

- Runny or stuffy nose

- Body aches

- Diarrhea and nausea

While mild symptoms are manageable at home and with proper treatment, it can be cured in no time, there are signs that may indicate severe complications. Some of which are listed below.

- Worsened fever and chills

- Dehydration

- Troubled breathing and shortness of breath

- Cyanosis, a bluish discolouration of the skin

- Pneumonia or severe lung infection

If your child shows any of these signs, make sure to call up your doctor and seek immediate medical help.

As is known, following COVID-appropriate behaviour is what got us through a typical flu season last year, this year again, if you're keen on safeguarding your child's health, urge them to wear masks, maintain social distance, practice hand hygiene and more. Make sure you get your child vaccinated against the flu.

Although the restrictions have been lifted and many are vaccinated, the combined force of COVID-19 and the flu is as deadly as it ever was.