I Think My Child Has The Flu

Fever, cough, body aches… All the tell-tale signs your child has the flu. They got their flu shot, they wash their hands, but STILL, the flu got ‘em.

But is there a way to know for sure?

The rapid influenza diagnostic test is a relatively new procedure, rising in popularity in the last decade after it was approved by the FDA in 2008. Before, flu was diagnosed solely based on the provider’s assessment of the patient. And in some ways, that is still the best way to diagnose flu. The rapid flu test has a high false positive and negative rate. Studies done by the CDC show that it is accurate about 50% of the time. Therefore, it is important to trust a provider’s assessment in spite of what the rapid test might say.

Here are some of the determining signs for if your child has the flu:

• Fever
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Body Aches
• Fatigue

We recommend taking your child to the doctor if you think they have the flu. But keep in mind that medication will not always be prescribed depending on when your child’s symptoms started. Sometimes the best course of action when it comes to the flu is rest and fluids, with no medication prescribed.

If you think your child has the flu, bring them to Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care. We are a walk-in pediatric urgent care open seven days a week. We have 11 locations in San Antonio and one in Dallas. Our Potranco clinic, located at 14249 Potranco Road, will open early 2020. For more information, please email us at info@littlespurs.com. We welcome walk-ins, accept most insurance plans and are proud to be accredited by the Urgent Care Association!