General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes CDC information about influenza in children and does not diagnose an individual illness.

What is influenza?

CDC describes influenza, or flu, as a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

What symptoms can flu cause?

CDC lists fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and fatigue among common features. Vomiting and diarrhoea can occur and are more common in children than adults. Not everyone with flu has a fever.

Which children are at higher risk of complications?

CDC identifies children younger than 5 years, particularly those younger than 2 years, and children with certain chronic health conditions as having higher risk of potentially serious flu complications.

What complications can occur in children?

CDC lists pneumonia, dehydration, ear or sinus problems, worsening of long-term medical conditions and neurological complications among possible flu-related complications in children.

Flu symptoms overlap with other respiratory infections. Symptoms alone cannot establish which virus is causing an individual illness.

References

  1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu and Children, 16 June 2026.
  2. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and Symptoms of Flu.