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What are the symptoms of influenza in children?

Feb 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, influenza refers to the flu. Symptoms of the flu in children include coughing, nasal congestion and runny nose, nausea and vomiting, fever, and muscle pain. When children exhibit the above symptoms, parents should closely monitor their physical condition and seek timely medical attention, following the doctor's recommendations for treatment. At the same time, it is important to take proper personal protective measures for the child to avoid cross-infection.

Generally speaking, flu refers to influenza. Symptoms of influenza in children include coughing, nasal congestion with runny nose, nausea and vomiting, fever, and muscle pain, among others. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Coughing

Influenza viruses reproduce within the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, triggering an inflammatory response that stimulates the respiratory mucosa to produce secretions, thereby causing a cough reflex. This may also be accompanied by throat pain or discomfort. In severe cases, it can affect children's eating and speaking.

2. Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose

Influenza viruses may adhere to the nasal mucosa and subsequently invade the mucosal cells, leading to nasal mucosal congestion and edema, which causes localized inflammation and results in a runny nose. This may lead to breathing difficulties in children, particularly noticeable during nighttime sleep.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

Influenza viruses may invade the gastrointestinal mucosa, resulting in gastrointestinal dysfunction. This may cause some children with influenza to experience nausea and vomiting as gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to poor appetite and further affecting nutrient intake and physical recovery.

4. Fever

Influenza viruses replicate within a child's body and stimulate the immune system to produce a response, releasing pyrogens that act on the body's temperature-regulating center, causing the body temperature to rise above 39°C and remain elevated for several days, often accompanied by chills and shivering.

5. Muscle Pain

Influenza viruses cause the accumulation of metabolic products such as lactic acid in the body. Additionally, the inflammatory response triggered by the influenza virus stimulates nerve endings, leading to pain in the muscles or joints throughout the body in children. This may be accompanied by muscle stiffness and a feeling of weakness, affecting the child's daily activities.

When children exhibit the above symptoms, parents should closely monitor their physical condition and seek timely medical attention, following the doctor's recommendations for treatment. At the same time, it is important to ensure proper personal protection for the child to avoid cross-infection.

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