Service

Influenza

The flu can cause many different symptoms in a child.

Influenza

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we understand that having a child with influenza can be a deeply worrying experience for any parent. Our approach is designed to provide expert, compassionate care while addressing your concerns and ensuring your child’s well-being. We follow the clinical pathways established by some of the best children’s hospitals in the country. This ensures that your child’s flu is managed according to the latest, evidence-based practices in pediatric care.

What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infection caused by influenza viruses (influenza A and B) that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Although the flu often leads to mild symptoms, it can sometimes be severe enough to require hospitalization. Flu outbreaks are most common during the winter and early spring.

Dangers of the Flu

The flu can be particularly dangerous for certain groups, including:

Young children
Children with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, weakened immune systems, kidney disease, heart problems, and neuromuscular disorders

These conditions can make it harder for affected children to combat influenza effectively.

Spread of the Flu

Flu is primarily spread through contact with respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. It can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Signs and Symptoms of the Flu

Flu symptoms can include:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea (less common)

Children who have been previously healthy or have had a history of flu before can still experience severe symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if your child exhibits:

Rapid or troubled breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a worsening cough and fever
Excessive drowsiness or lack of interaction
Extreme irritability
Decreased fluid intake and fewer wet diapers
Flu symptoms in children with chronic health conditions

Contagious Period of the Flu

Individuals with the flu are most contagious from one day before symptoms appear until one day after the fever subsides, however, the flu can remain contagious for up to seven days.

Protecting Your Child from the Flu

To help prevent the flu:

Vaccination: The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Caregivers, pregnant women, and those around infants younger than 6 months should also get vaccinated.
Hygiene:
- Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or mask when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues properly.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water. If unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid touching the face and teach children to follow these practices.
- Maintain distance from individuals who are sick and clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.

Treatment for the Flu

Treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms and may include:

Medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort. Aspirin is not recommended for children.
Rest and Hydration: Ensure plenty of fluids and rest.
Antiviral Drugs: Prescribed for severe cases or individuals at high risk for complications. These are most effective when started within two days of symptom onset.

Antiviral medications may be prescribed for preventive measures in high-risk groups but should not replace the flu vaccine.

Hand Washing

Effective hand washing involves using soap and running water for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, rubbing them until dry.

School and Daycare for Children with the Flu

Do not send a child with the flu to daycare or school. Keep your child home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication. A fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Child-Friendly Environment

Understanding that medical treatments can be stressful for children, all of our providers have been trained by our Child Life Specialists on how to approach your child in a friendly and compassionate manner. We strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible, with a child-centered environment and a caring staff that helps ease any anxiety.

Kids 1st Urgent Care sources its medical research from leading authorities in pediatric medicine, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Texas Children’s Hospital.

Location

We bring MOBILE urgent pediatric medical care for your child to any location in Miami Dade and Broward County.

Hours

Kids 1st Urgent Care is available 7 days a week until midnight. We are open limited hours on holidays.

Support

Our dedicated team is available to address any questions or concerns before, during, and after your child's visit.

Kids 1st Urgent Care always puts the wellbeing of your child as our top priority.

If our providers determine that your child's illness or injury requires a higher level of care, we will assist you in finding the most suitable emergency department. We will notify a provider at that facility to ensure your child's arrival is anticipated. Kids 1st Urgent Care will inform your child's pediatrician of our evaluation and recommendations. We will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout this process. At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we always provide exceptional, compassionate, and personalized care with a concierge touch, treating your child as if they were our own and ensuring their wellbeing.