As soon as there's an "r" back in the month, the risk of flu rises noticeably - your baby is more susceptible during these months too. Flu, like a cold, is a respiratory infection, but with different symptoms. This article covers the difference between a cold and flu, what you can do if your little one gets flu, and how to handle a feverish baby.
What is flu in babies?
Flu and colds are often mentioned in the same breath, but they're genuinely different. Flu is caused by the influenza virus and mostly occurs in autumn and early spring. Your baby can catch it by breathing in contaminated air or through physical contact - much like with a cold.
Is flu contagious in babies?
Flu is highly contagious. It spreads quickly through airborne particles and through contact with others carrying the virus. Children in daycare or with a childminder are at higher risk, since flu spreads quickly wherever people are in close contact. Saliva plays a role too - and babies do love putting toys in their mouths and swapping them with each other.
Flu epidemic
When a lot of people have flu at the same time, we call it an epidemic: at least two consecutive weeks with 51 out of every 100,000 people showing flu symptoms. During an epidemic, it's not unusual for your baby to catch it too - around 30% of babies get flu during these periods.
Symptoms of flu in your baby
Flu symptoms resemble a cold's, just a bit more intense. You'll recognise it by:
- A runny nose
- Lots of coughing
- Poor appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Frequent crying
- Fussiness
- Wanting to sleep a lot
What you won't see directly, but which can also be part of it: headache, muscle aches, and a sore throat. Flu generally isn't serious, but it's genuinely unpleasant for your baby. Since they can't yet tell you exactly what they're feeling, flu mostly shows up as crying and fussiness. Still, keep an eye on things: there's a small chance of complications, such as pneumonia.
Flu: what can you do?
Flu is a viral infection - the body has to fight it off itself, and there's no medicine that cures it. Rest is the best remedy. Keep your baby indoors where possible and let them sleep whenever they need to. To prevent dehydration, make sure they drink extra: water, but also, say, an extra cup of goat milk.
To help shorten the flu period, you can also:
- Wash your hands and your baby's hands as often as possible - this keeps bacteria at bay.
- Avoid overdressing your baby. Even if they're shivering, light cotton clothing is often the better choice; shivering doesn't automatically mean they're cold.
- Avoid setting the heating too high - a room of around 20°C (68°F) is ideal.
Easing symptoms
A runny nose is eased by clearing it with a nasal aspirator, so your baby can breathe more freely and sleep better. For sore throats and coughs, there are special cough syrups made for babies, which soothe the throat and ease dry coughing. Is your little one achy or has a headache? Paracetamol can help - always follow the dosage on the packaging for your baby's age and weight.
When does a baby have a fever?
Does your baby feel warm or hot to the touch? A thermometer will tell you for sure. Taking a temperature rectally is the most reliable method; an electronic thermometer gives a precise reading.
- 37°C (98.6°F) = normal body temperature
- 37.5°C to 38°C (99.5-100.4°F) = mildly raised
- 38°C to 40°C (100.4-104°F) = fever
- 40°C (104°F) and above = high fever
With a fever, it's important your baby keeps drinking well - feed more often, or offer extra follow-on milk or water. Kabrita goat milk works well for this; feel free to offer an extra cup.
Handling a feverish baby
As with flu: a mild to moderate fever is harmless in itself. The body needs to release the heat naturally. Doesn't your baby want to eat right now? Try not to worry too much - reduced appetite is normal with a fever. What matters more is that they keep drinking well, to prevent dehydration. Let your baby rest enough too - that doesn't have to mean lying in bed, carrying works too - and give a bit of extra attention; you'll notice they need it.
When should you see a doctor about a fever?
Contact your doctor if:
- Your baby is younger than three months.
- The fever lasts longer than three days without easing.
- Your baby refuses to drink.
- Your baby vomits, develops diarrhoea, or their skin colour changes.
- Your baby develops a (high) fever again after a few fever-free days.
- Your baby is struggling to breathe or seems short of breath.
- Your baby is listless and hard to wake.
- Your baby has a febrile seizure (jerking and stiffening of the arms and legs).
Flu and fever are generally harmless. There's not much you can do beyond easing the symptoms: plenty of rest, plenty of fluids, and a little extra cuddling. Still, keep an eye on things - some flu viruses carry a higher risk of pneumonia or other complications. If your baby still isn't flu-free after two weeks, always see your doctor.
About this article
This article is part of a series on common baby ailments. The information has been carefully put together to support new parents. Every child is different: if symptoms are severe or persistent, always contact your doctor or health visitor.
About Kabrita
Kabrita goat milk-based formula combines mild Dutch goat milk with a modern composition based on the latest scientific insights, resulting in a complete formula that delivers key nutrients gently. Kabrita is produced entirely in the Netherlands, using Dutch goat milk.
Kabrita: gentle on little tummies.