Even if an immunized person catches the flu, symptoms tend to be fewer and milder - assuming the immunization was for the type of flu contracted. Some children who have chronic medical conditions may become sicker with the flu - and may require hospitalization. Flu in a newborn also can be hazardous. For a severely ill child or one with other special circumstances, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine such as amantadine or rimantadine, which can ease flu symptoms but only if given within 48 hours of the onset of the flu. People with the flu should rest in bed.
Rest helps the body fight the virus.
For the usual case of the flu, there is no specific drug treatment, but a nonaspirin medicine such as acetaminophen can be taken to relieve aches and pains and to reduce fever. Do not give aspirin to your child unless your child's doctor instructs you to do so. The Nemours Foundation is a nonprofit organization devoted to children's health and is the largest physician practice delivering subspecialty pediatric care in the United States. Inc. All rights reserved. KidsHealth and KidsHealth.org are Service Marks of The Nemours Foundation.