Influenza in children often comes on suddenly and can make kids feel much sicker than a regular cold. Common symptoms include:

• High fever and chills

• Cough and sore throat

• Stuffy or runny nose

• Headache and body aches

• Feeling very tired or weak

• In some cases, vomiting or diarrhea

If your child has trouble breathing, a fever higher than 104°F, signs of dehydration, or has asthma, they need pediatric urgent care treatment right away.

Yes, the flu shot is strongly recommended for children over 6 months of age. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza in children, reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and flu-related complications. Even if your child still gets the flu, the vaccine often makes symptoms milder and recovery quicker. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination for children before flu season begins in the fall.

Yes! At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care for Kids, we can test for influenza in children if our provider determines it is necessary. Flu testing helps us confirm whether your child’s symptoms are caused by the flu or another illness, which allows us to recommend the most appropriate flu treatment.

Flu treatment is most effective when started early. Our pediatric urgent care providers typically prescribe antiviral medication if your child has been experiencing symptoms for less than 48 hours. Starting treatment within this window can help shorten the duration of illness and reduce complications.

Children with certain high-risk conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, or weakened immune systems, may also be eligible for treatment with mild symptoms. For otherwise healthy children who have had symptoms longer than 48 hours, over-the-counter fever reducers, fluids, and rest is recommended instead.