As we head into the holidays, we are seeing an increase in flu cases among the patients we treat. This timing is not unusual as flu activity often rises around the holidays when children are in close contact at school, families are gathering indoors, and routines like sleep and nutrition are disrupted.
We know how stressful it can be when your child is sick, especially during what should be a joyful time of year. Our goal is to help you understand why flu matters, what symptoms to watch for, when to call us, and how we can quickly support your family with a clear care plan.
Why Pediatricians Take Flu Seriously
It is common to hear flu compared to a “bad cold,” but medically, they are very different illnesses.
Thousands of children are hospitalized with flu every year, and tragically, pediatric flu-related deaths occur annually, many in otherwise healthy children. The 2024-2025 flu season saw a record high of 280-288 pediatric deaths in the U.S. (excluding the 2009 pandemic), with a significant majority (around 89%) in unvaccinated children. Unlike the common cold, flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of asthma, and secondary bacterial infections.
Young children, infants, and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk, but even healthy children can become very ill very quickly. This is why flu remains a major concern for our pediatricians each winter.
Flu Symptoms in Children
Flu symptoms often begin suddenly, rather than gradually like a cold.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever (often high and abrupt in onset)
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Significant fatigue or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
If your child seems “knocked down” with fever and body aches, flu is often higher on our list than a routine cold.
When Should You Call?
We are always here to support you. A member of our nurse triage team or one of our pediatricians is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help guide you when questions or concerns come up. You should never hesitate to call us at (513) 232-8100 if you are worried about your child’s health. We especially want to hear from you right away if your child is experiencing any of the following more concerning symptoms:
- Your child has fever with flu-like symptoms
- Symptoms started within the past 1–2 days
- Your child has asthma, diabetes, immune conditions, or other chronic health concerns
- Fever lasts more than 3 days or returns after improving
- Your child is not drinking fluids well or is urinating much less than usual
- You feel your child is getting worse rather than better
Seek urgent or emergency care right away if your child has:
- Trouble breathing or fast, labored breathing
- Blue or gray lips or face
- Chest pain along with difficulty taking a deep breath
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Testing & Treatment
Many families ask about at-home respiratory tests and how they compare to the testing we use in our office. At-home tests can be a helpful, but they are generally less accurate in children, often test for only one or two illnesses, and can miss flu, especially early on, so a negative result does not always mean your child does not have influenza.
In our office, we use highly accurate testing platforms such as ID NOW and Spotfire, which are designed to detect flu and other common respiratory illnesses more reliably and earlier in the course of illness, all with a single, gentle swab. This allows us to check for up to 15 illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, RSV, strep, and common cold viruses at the same time and, most importantly, to give you clear answers and a care plan during your visit.
Accurate flu testing matters because flu is not just a bad cold, and knowing whether your child truly has flu helps us decide if antiviral treatment may be helpful, and avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Treatment decisions are always individualized based on your child’s age, symptoms, medical history, and timing of illness.
If you are caring for your child at home without being seen in our office, we encourage you to carefully follow the recommended dosing charts to ensure medications are given safely and appropriately.
Keeping Your Family Healthy During the Holidays
While no strategy is perfect, these steps can reduce risk and help protect vulnerable family members:
Flu vaccination for children and adults
Staying home when sick and avoiding gatherings while feverish
Frequent handwashing
Covering coughs and sneezes
Prioritizing sleep, hydration, and balanced nutrition
Being especially cautious around infants, elderly relatives, and those with medical conditions
We’re Here to Help
We understand how overwhelming it can feel when your child is sick, especially when symptoms come on quickly or plans are disrupted. Please know that you are not alone. Our team is here to answer questions, evaluate symptoms, and guide you through next steps with compassion and clarity.
If you are unsure whether your child needs to be seen, we encourage you to call. Early evaluation and timely testing can make a meaningful difference for your child and for your peace of mind this flu season.