If you have a child with flu-like symptoms, it’s not always easy to tell when they may need medical care. Knowing which symptoms are more serious can help you know when to take your child to the doctor.

A child with the flu will typically experience:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat

Your child should be taken in for medical care if they have the following symptoms:

• Fever that does not respond to fluids, rest and fever-reducing medications
• Extreme fatigue
• Inconsolable irritability
• Confusion
• Headache that does not go away
• Chest pain
• Labored breathing and a persistent cough
• Neck stiffness
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting and dehydration (decreased urination and no tears when crying)
• Back pain
• Weak legs or feet
• Severe muscle pain
• Red urine

“Testing and antiviral medicines may be beneficial for some children who have a flu infection,” said Andi Shane, MD, MPH, System Medical Director of Infectious Diseases at Children’s. “Each child’s situation should be considered individually; fluids and fever-reducing medicines that don’t contain aspirin are the mainstays of supportive care.”

Still in doubt? Remember, you know your child best. If your child’s symptoms are severe, or if you are concerned, it’s best to seek care from your child’s pediatrician first. If he or she is unavailable, ask about visiting a Children’s Urgent Care Center or Emergency Department.