Identifying Symptoms of Influenza and COVID-19 in Children: How to Distinguish and Manage Them at Home

By administrator_happynoz Health articles

During the ongoing outbreak of respiratory illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19, many parents may feel anxious when their young children have symptoms like fever, cough, or fatigue. These are common initial symptoms of both influenza and COVID-19—especially in young children who cannot clearly express how they feel.

This article aims to encourage parents to observe the early symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 in children, along with providing appropriate home care guidelines to help prevent the progression of symptoms and the spread of infection within the family.

Why it’s important to observe and distinguish symptoms early:

Different treatments are required for COVID-19 and influenza.
Different contagious periods COVID-19 typically has a longer period.
Different risks for complications Some children may experience severe complications when they have influenza.
Different prevention methods Hygiene and isolation methods need to be adjusted according to the nature of each illness.

Receiving accurate information early allows families to manage the situation more effectively and reduces the risk of severe complications.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children

Children infected with COVID-19 may show mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, they can display signs similar to influenza, such as:

Fever (≥37.5°C)
Dry cough, sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Fatigue, tiredness
Headache or muscle aches
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Loss of taste or smell (more common in older children)

Basic Care Guidelines for Children with COVID-19

Isolate the child from other family members
Wear a mask when in close contact
Wash hands frequently and maintain general hygiene
Monitor temperature and symptoms closely every day

Symptoms of Influenza in Children

Influenza symptoms in children usually appear suddenly and more severely than a common cold. Common symptoms include:

Sudden high fever (≥38°C)
Muscle aches, chills
Dry cough or chest pain
Loss of appetite, irritability, lethargy
Headache and increased fussiness
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in some cases

Basic Care Guidelines for Children with Influenza

Ensure the child gets plenty of rest (at least 7–10 days)
Encourage drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration
Use fever-reducing medication such as paracetamol as recommended by a doctor
In some cases, doctors may prescribe Oseltamivir, which is effective if started within the first 48 hours

Emergency Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

🚨 Emergency symptoms:

Difficulty breathing or abnormal shortness of breath
Chest tightness or chest pain
Bluish lips or fingertips
Unresponsiveness or confusion
Fever persists for more than 3 consecutive days

⚠️ High-risk groups to watch closely:

Children with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems
Pregnant women
Family members over the age of 65

⚠️ Precautions to Avoid:

Do not use antibiotics without a doctor’s recommendation
Avoid strong cough medications in young children
Refrain from intense physical activity during illness

Additional Daily Protection:

Mothers can also help shield their little ones from viruses every day with “Happy Noz Anti Virus Formula”, which contains turmeric oil. It has been Tested by Virology Research Services in the UK, which can:

✅ Protect against Coronavirus NL63 within 30 seconds (99.99%)

✅ Protect against SARS-CoV-2 within 60 seconds (99.99%)

✅ Protect against Influenza A and B strains

📌 A trusted solution by moms—gentle and safe with 100% organic extracts. Suitable for children from 0 years old. Easy to use: just stick it on clothes, bags, or strollers to provide a natural fresh scent and immune-boosting protection throughout the day.