If your child has cold or flu symptoms
If your child has cold or flu symptoms
Cold and flu infections are extremely common in babies and children, and the good news is that most little ones recover fully on their own, without needing any special treatment. Even so, there's a lot you can do at home to help your child feel more comfortable while their body fights off the illness.
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if your child:
- has lips or skin that are turning pale, blue or grey – on brown or black skin this is easier to see on the palms of their hands
- has severe difficulty breathing – they may make grunting noises or suck their stomach in under their ribcage
- is breathing fast or stops or pauses
- is pulling in at their throat area (tracheal tug) or their windpipe is more prominent
- is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do – they may find it difficult to focus on you or are more difficult to wake up than usual
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or above and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 36°C (97°F) or less and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
Always trust your instincts and phone 999 if you think there’s an emergency.
Contact your GP practice urgently if your child:
- is more short of breath than usual
- has pain when breathing in or coughing
- is feeling confused, dizzy or lightheaded
- feels sick or is being sick – for example, they can’t keep food or fluids down
- is coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
- has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or is showing other signs of dehydration
- has a very high or low temperature – for example, they feel either hot or cold to touch or are shivering
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if your child:
- has lips or skin that are turning pale, blue or grey – on brown or black skin this is easier to see on the palms of their hands
- has severe difficulty breathing – they may make grunting noises or suck their stomach in under their ribcage
- is breathing fast or stops or pauses
- is pulling in at their throat area (tracheal tug) or their windpipe is more prominent
- is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do – they may find it difficult to focus on you or are more difficult to wake up than usual
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or above and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 36°C (97°F) or less and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
Always trust your instincts and phone 999 if you think there’s an emergency.
Contact your GP practice urgently if your child:
- is more short of breath than usual
- has pain when breathing in or coughing
- is feeling confused, dizzy or lightheaded
- feels sick or is being sick – for example, they can’t keep food or fluids down
- is coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
- has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or is showing other signs of dehydration
- has a very high or low temperature – for example, they feel either hot or cold to touch or are shivering
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
Prevention
If your child has cold or flu symptoms, here's how you can help stop it spreading and ease their recovery:
- wash your hands often with soap and warm water
- wipe down surfaces such as phones and door handles regularly to clear away germs
- throw away used tissues straight into a bin
- keep your child home until they feel better (fever-free for 24 hours without paracetamol or ibuprofen)
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