Most flu infections don’t require a visit to the pediatrician, which is good news. Oftentimes, you can safely and effectively treat your child’s flu symptoms at home. But it’s important to know that not all medications should be given to treat the flu. Understanding which safe medicines to give your child and the appropriate dosage can prevent accidental overdose and other issues.
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can be mild or severe, and in some extreme cases it can lead to death. The flu can be especially dangerous for people who have a chronic illness or a weakened immune system.
Common flu symptoms can include:
If you think your child has flu symptoms and are wondering whether you should seek medical care, contact your child’s pediatrician. Many pediatricians also offer after-hours care during flu season.
The flu is common but often unpredictable. The best way to keep your family healthy is to stay up to date on your annual flu vaccinations.
Contact your child's pediatrician or find a facility near you that offers the flu vaccine using the Healthmap Vaccine Finder.
You can also help keep your family well by:
Remember, it’s never too late to get a flu shot.
If you suspect your child has the flu, provide them with plenty of fluids and lots of rest at home. To treat the flu at home, you can:
There’s common confusion around where and if your child needs medical care for flu symptoms. Symptoms that require care from a pediatrician include:
When your child has flu-like symptoms that are concerning to you and his pediatrician isn’t available, the next best choice is to go to a pediatric urgent care center or emergency department. There are several symptoms that can be treated at a pediatric urgent care center and don’t require a trip to the emergency room.
If you decide to go to a Children’s Urgent Care Center, check out our wait times.
In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
We know the last place you want to be with a sick child is in a waiting room. To help you and your family spend less time waiting we have online scheduling at all our pediatric Urgent Care Center locations. This allows you to select a time that you would like to come to the Urgent Care Center. Once at the center, you will begin the check-in process. A reserved slot is not a set appointment, and you may have to wait after you come into the center. Patients who arrive with a more serious condition or illness may be seen before you.
To reserve your spot, follow these steps:
We accept walk-in patients during business hours at all our Urgent Care Centers. The best time to bring your child to one of our Urgent Care Centers is during the middle of the day. We are generally busiest in the morning, late afternoon and evening.
