Infants
Household contacts and caregivers for babies younger than 6 months of age are encouraged to get the seasonal vaccine as soon as possible because young babies are at higher risk for flu-related complications and cannot be vaccinated.
Seek medical care for infants with flu symptoms.
Small Children
Children are encouraged to get the seasonal vaccine as soon as possible because they are in close contact with each other at school and in daycare settings which increases their likelihood of being exposed to the virus.
It is always best to call your healthcare provider’s office for help when treating children who may be sick with a flu virus. Encourage children and other family members to wash their hands often. Clean surfaces daily that have been contacted by the sick child such as doorknobs, faucets, and toilets. Children with the flu need plenty of fluids and rest.
Emergency warning signs in children that need urgent medical attention include:
- High fever
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough