“When should I take my child to the doctor for the flu?”
My 12 year old son has the flu. When should I take my child to the doctor for the flu?
5 Answers
PediatricianPediatrician
When a child is lethargic or have high fever or the fever has lasted longer than three days or having trouble taking fluids, it’s time to contact your doctor. Thank you.
This year, symptoms that seem flu like in nature may also be representative of COVID-19, so if your child has symptoms like cough, fever, sore throat, congestion or difficulty breathing, they should be seen by your physician for an exam and indicated testing, such as testing for influenza, strep or COVID, or even RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in children under two.
You should take your child to the doctor right away. First they need to conform if it is flu. Then the appropriate treatment can be given. Flu kills!
RB Thomas,MD
RB Thomas,MD
Sandra L. Aponte
Pathologist
High fever, no playing, glassy eyes.
If he is seen within 2 days of symptoms he can be treated with tamiflu which can shorten the illness. If it is longer than that you treat the fever and stay hydrated. If signs of dehydration poor color or persistent high fever he would need to be checked. He needs to be getting yearly flu shot.
