Flu in Babies – Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Flu in babies is a common condition. Flu is the common name for Influenza and it is a viral infection. In India, flu occurs frequently from June-September and November-February. During this time the infection is at its peak. It is a transmissible disease that attacks the respiratory system.

What is Flu?

Flu or influenza is a disease caused due to viral infection. Mainly the respiratory system is affected – it attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. The intensity of the disease may vary from mild to severe.

Influenza is communicable and can spread in many ways

It can spread through coming in contact with a contaminated surface.
It can be transmitted through saliva.
Another important medium of transmission is skin-to-skin contact.
It can also spread through cough or sneeze drop particles in the air.

Thus, it is very important to maintain cleanliness and keep the patient in a separate room so that others don’t get affected. It is always better to exercise caution when it comes to this disease.

How Common is Flu in Babies?

Infants are prone to suffer from flu or influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that children under 5 years of age, and especially those under 2 years of age, are more likely to suffer from severe flu symptoms like pneumonia and dehydration.

CDC also suggests that infants cannot fight against influenza because of their low immunity. Thus, parents need to be very careful if they notice any flu-like symptoms (fever, running nose, severe cough, and cold) and should consult a doctor without wasting time.

[Read : Cough in Babies]

Two Main Causes of Flu in Babies

Influenza or flu is a highly communicable viral disease, which can get transmitted easily and can make your baby ill. It is an airborne disease and can infect a person through the virus present in the air. In fact, an infected surface can also transmit the virus to a healthy baby, and the person suffering from flu can easily become the medium of transmission and can affect a healthy baby.

Some of the major causes of flu in babies include

1. Touching Infected Surface or Objects

If the baby touches any contaminated surface and then uses the same hand to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth they can easily catch the infection.

2. Contact With the Person Suffering From Flu

Flu spreads through airborne particles. When the infected person sneezes or coughs or even speaks without covering the mouth, then the virus can easily transmit to the baby through droplets via air.

Babies with flu can infect other babies from the first day after catching the infection. And they can continue to be infectious for a longer period of time.

Signs And Symptoms of Flu in Babies

Babies, when they catch the flu can exhibit the following symptoms

Cough
Runny nose
Irritability and crying due to fever, body pains and sore throat
Fever about 100F
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Taking lesser milk/feed than usual
Wetting lesser diapers than usual

Treatment Options For Flu in Babies

The doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines for treating flu in babies. Antiviral medicines are given by the doctor for cutting short the duration of the infection, preventing complications arising from influenza and toning down the symptoms of the virus.

However, these medicines should be given within 48 hours of the symptoms first appearing in the baby. Please note that all doctors may not prescribe antiviral medication for babies as they can have severe side effects.

Some medicines used for influenza treatment are:

Oseltamivir given to babies as young as 2 weeks old to cure the flu.
Acetaminophen for combating fever in babies who are in the age bracket of 3-6 months.
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for lowering fever in babies who are 6 months and above. But please note that both medicines are not to be given at the same time.
Peramivir can be prescribed to babies who are 6 months or above.

All these medications should be prescribed only by the doctor. Never self-medicate babies, always seek your doctor’s advice when your baby is unwell.

How to Prevent Flu in Babies?

Some measures can be taken by the parents to help prevent flu in babies. These are

Vaccinating the expecting mother during her pregnancy to avoid the chances of the baby contracting flu virus during first 6 months of their life.
Getting the baby vaccinated as soon as they become eligible to get the shot.
Maintain cleanliness at home and sanitizing/wiping frequently touched surfaces.
Ensuring that all the family members coming in close contact with the baby are vaccinated against the influenza virus.
Maintaining distance from sick or infected people, including babies, toddlers and young children.
Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
Cleaning the baby’s hands using wipes etc., especially after contact with contaminated surfaces.
Washing anything that you feel may be potentially contaminated like baby’s toys, rattles, books, clothes etc.

If you notice any symptoms of flu in your baby, then consult the doctor immediately

Flu Vaccine For Babies

Flu vaccine is the best defense against the influenza virus in babies. The vaccine reduces the severity of the disease and any complications in babies. Giving the influenza vaccine to babies aged 6 months and above is a must and should be done by every parent without fail.

Infants generally need 2 doses of flu vaccines.

The first dose stimulates the baby’s immune system but may not be strong enough to offer protection from the virus.
The second dose is the one that actually produces enough antibodies in infants so that they can fight off the infection if exposed.

Influenza vaccine is also given to expecting mothers to protect them and their unborn babies from the serious effects of the flu if they get infected by any chance. The antibodies produced in the mother’s body, as a result of the vaccine, then pass on to the baby, offering them some protection from the flu virus for the first 6 months of their life.

[Read : Flu Shots for Babies]

Top 5 Tips to Make Your Baby Comfortable When They Have the Flu

If your baby catches the flu, they will require a lot of love and care. You can follow these top 5 tips to make your baby comfortable.

Ensure that the baby gets ample rest.
Use a humidifier as it will help in relieving nasal congestion.
Ensure to give plenty of fluids to keep the baby hydrated.
Consult a doctor so that proper medication can be started at the right time.
Use saline drops from time to time to clear the nasal passage in babies as a stuffy nose can make breathing difficult for them

When Should You Consider Seeing a Doctor?

If you notice any flu symptoms in your baby, then you should call the doctor immediately without delay. Also, contact the doctor if you notice some worrying symptoms like-

Difficulty in breathing
Fever of 100.4 degree Fahrenheit and higher in infants less than 3 months old
In babies aged between 3 months to 3 years, a fever of 100.4 degree Fahrenheit or higher should not be ignored
Bluish color tinge in skin or lips
Fussiness
Baby is unable to wake up from sleep
Seizures
Fast breathing

Flu in babies is just as common as it is in adults. However, timely treatment and care are vital to ensure that they get back to normal. Do consult your doctor if your baby has a high fever and seems restless. By giving timely medication and taking proper care fo your baby, you can help them recover quickly.

[Read : Breathing Problems in Babies]

FAQ’s

1. How Long Does Flu Last in Babies?

Generally, babies suffer for a week, but tiredness persists. The baby may remain tired for about 4 weeks and may suffer from a cough and cold for a few days.

2. Does Breast Milk Help With the Flu?

Yes, mother’s milk (breast milk) helps babies to fight any disease. Breast milk is obviously good for babies as it contains antibodies and other immunological factors.

3. Can Flu Turn into Pneumonia?

Yes, flu can turn into pneumonia. Infants suffering from acute flu are at risk of suffering from pneumonia if not treated on time.

Flu in Babies – Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

What is Flu?

How Common is Flu in Babies?