The flu is a yearly challenge for many families, but it doesn’t always have the same impact on children as it does on adults. Both kids and adults feel the symptoms, but understanding the unique ways the flu affects children may help parents, caregivers, and pediatricians support young patients more effectively. Here are some key differences between how the flu affects children versus adults:
Kids Are Prone to Higher Fevers
One of the first signs parents often notice is a high fever. While both adults and children may run a temperature, children with the flu frequently have higher fevers. It’s not unusual for a child’s temperature to climb high. Adults are more likely to experience moderate fevers. High fevers in children may make them feel extra tired, irritable, or uncomfortable. When this happens, rest and fluids become a top priority. Monitoring a child’s temperature regularly during flu illness helps track any changes that may need extra attention.
Stomach Issues Are More Common in Children
Adults with the flu often experience classic symptoms such as cough, fever, and body aches. Children, on the other hand, are more likely to experience stomach-related symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea occur with the flu in kids more often than in grown-ups.
These issues are uncomfortable and can increase the risk of dehydration. Always encourage frequent sips of water, electrolyte drinks, or clear broth as soon as you notice stomach problems. Keeping drinks close by helps kids stay hydrated even when eating isn’t appealing.
Airway Size Differences Have an Impact
The size of a person’s airways affects how they feel the flu. Adults have larger, stronger airways that can cope better with congestion and mucus. Children’s airways are narrower and more delicate. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s room, offering saline nasal sprays, and encouraging gentle nose blowing are simple steps that can ease discomfort.
Children’s Immune Systems Are Still Developing
Children’s immune systems are still growing and learning how to fight off infections. This often means that a child’s defense against the flu is less robust compared to that of an adult. Kids may have symptoms that linger a bit longer or seem more intense. Adults, especially those who have had the flu before, often bounce back a little faster because their bodies have a better memory for fighting off the virus.
Young Children Face Extra Risks
For kids under five, the flu can sometimes lead to more serious concerns. Younger children have a higher risk of developing dehydration due to fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, because their bodies lose fluids more quickly. Pneumonia is also a greater risk in this age group, since their lungs are still maturing. Watch for signs like rapid breathing, difficulty waking, or fewer wet diapers. Promptly checking in with a healthcare provider about any changes helps provide reassurance and early support.
Ask a Pediatrician to Treat Flu Symptoms
While adults certainly feel the effects of the flu, children face unique challenges because of their higher fevers, frequent stomach issues, smaller airways, and weaker immune systems. Understanding these differences allows parents and healthcare providers to support kids with practical, gentle care and extra attention. Regular hydration, rest, and close monitoring offer children comfort as they recover. For persistent symptoms or new concerns, consult a pediatrician for more information.