NHS warns of children's flu spike: How to spot the signs
Flu cases are rising fast in children this winter. Here's how to spot symptoms, when to seek medical help, and how to stay prepared.
As flu cases surge among children, the NHS is warning parents to stay vigilant. Recognising the symptoms early could make all the difference as the UK faces a challenging winter of rising illnesses.
With four major viruses circulating—flu, Covid, norovirus, and RSV—health services are under immense pressure. Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, referred to this as a “quad-demic,” adding, “We’re already seeing a sharp rise in children with flu, and this often signals a later spike in adults.”
Here’s how to identify flu symptoms in your child, when to seek medical advice, and how to help protect your family this winter.
Flu symptoms in children: what to watch for
Flu symptoms in children can vary depending on age and general health but tend to appear suddenly. Common signs include:
General symptoms
- Fever: Typically above 37.8°C, often accompanied by chills
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or lethargy, which may make children less active
- Muscle or body aches: General pain or discomfort in muscles or joints
- Respiratory symptoms
- Persistent cough: Often dry or worsening over time
- Runny or stuffy nose: Congestion may make breathing through the nose difficult
- Sore throat: Can make swallowing uncomfortable
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (more common in children than adults)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
Other symptoms
- Headache: A frequent early sign
- Irritability: Young children may seem unusually fussy or clingy
- Reduced appetite: Eating less or refusing food
When to seek medical help
While most cases of flu can be managed at home, some symptoms warrant immediate attention. Seek urgent medical care if your child experiences:
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Severe or persistent chest or abdominal pain
- Symptoms of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet nappies, dry mouth, no tears)
- High fever that doesn’t improve or lasts more than a few days
- Seizures or confusion
For urgent GP appointments or NHS 111 advice, consider reaching out if:
- You’re concerned about your child’s symptoms.
- Your child has a long-term medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
- Symptoms haven’t improved after seven days.
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help minimise the risk of flu this winter:
- Vaccination: The annual flu vaccine is the best defence. It’s available for free to children aged 2–3 years, all primary school children, and those in high-risk groups.
- Hand hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Healthy habits: Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep, eats a balanced diet, and stays hydrated to strengthen their immune system.
- Avoid spreading illness: If your child shows flu symptoms, keep them home from school or nursery to prevent passing the virus to others.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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