If a Child is Sick

The attack rate of this influenza – that is proportion of a population affected by the disease – is higher in children than in adults.

While pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is mild in most cases, carers of young people with influenza should immediately seek medical care if the child has:

  • Fast or strained/laboured breathing
  • A continuing fever or convulsions (fits / seizures)
  • Any signs of deterioration

Children may experience the same symptoms as adults but very young children and infants may not be able to tell you they have sore muscles or a headache. They may be irritable, have no appetite, and sometimes develop a hoarse cry and barking cough (like croup).

Carers of children five years of age or younger with flu-like-symptoms, should contact their healthcare provider for advice or treatment.

When caring for an ill child:

  • Where possible let the ill child sleep and rest in a separate room from other household members and keep the number of people entering the room to a minimum.
  • Do not give children under 18 years of age medications containing aspirin. The combination of influenza and aspirin in children has been known to cause Reye's syndrome, a very serious condition affecting the nervous system and liver. It is important that parents of children who are taking medications containing aspirin discuss the possible complications associated with influenza with their doctor, and find out what they can do to reduce the risk. Pharmacists can provide advice on appropriate 'over-the-counter' medications for reducing fever.
  • Dress them in lightweight clothing and keep the room temperature at about 20° Celsius if possible.
  • Offer cool fluids frequently when they are awake.
  • Allow children to rest and stay at home until no longer infectious, so the virus isn't spread to other children.
  • Teach children to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when they cough or sneeze.
  • Use salt-water nose drops to treat a stuffy nose. Throw tissues in a bin as soon as you have wiped a child's nose.
  • Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same.

More detail:





For up to date information visit www.healthemergency.gov.au

Pandemic Hotline 180 2007