Quick answer: Take your child to urgent care for flu if they are under 5, have asthma or another chronic condition, have a fever lasting more than 3 days, are drinking less than usual, or have an ear ache or worsening cough. Go to the ER for trouble breathing, bluish lips, dehydration, a fever above 104°F, any fever in a baby under 12 weeks, or if your child is hard to wake.

Kids catch the flu more often than adults and pass it around quickly at school and daycare. Most recover at home in about a week, but young children are more likely to develop complications. Here’s how to tell what your child needs.

Flu symptoms in children

  • Sudden fever, often higher than in adults
  • Body aches, chills and headache
  • Cough and sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Unusual tiredness or fussiness
  • Vomiting, diarrhea or belly pain (more common in kids than adults)
  • Ear pain

Babies may just seem very fussy, feed poorly or have a fever. See fever in children: urgent care or ER?

Take your child to urgent care if

  • Your child is under 5, especially under 2
  • They have asthma, diabetes, a heart condition or another chronic illness
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days
  • They’re drinking less, but still urinating
  • They have ear pain, sinus pain or a worsening cough
  • Someone at home is high-risk and you want to confirm flu
  • You want a school note

Our pediatric urgent care team can run a rapid flu test and prescribe an antiviral if appropriate. Antivirals are recommended for all children under 5 with flu and work best within 48 hours. Learn more in Tamiflu and the 48-hour window.

Go to the ER or call 911 if your child

  • Is breathing fast, struggling to breathe, or has ribs pulling in with each breath
  • Has bluish lips or face
  • Has no urine for 8 hours, a dry mouth or no tears
  • Is not alert or not interacting
  • Has a seizure
  • Has a fever above 104°F, or is under 12 weeks with any fever
  • Seems better, then gets worse again

See all flu warning signs.

Caring for your child at home

  • Offer fluids often: water, electrolyte drinks, popsicles or soup (see dehydration)
  • Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever as directed for their age and weight
  • Never give aspirin to children or teens with flu
  • Let them rest, and keep them home until fever-free for 24 hours without medicine (see how long to stay home)

Prevent the next one

The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older. Some kids need 2 doses. Read flu shots for kids.

Frequently asked questions

Can urgent care test my child for flu?

Yes. PACS offers walk-in rapid flu, COVID-19 and RSV tests for children with results during the visit.

Is Tamiflu safe for kids?

Tamiflu is approved for children, including infants. Your provider will weigh the benefits and possible side effects, such as nausea.

When can my child go back to school after the flu?

When they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever medicine and their symptoms are improving.

Is it flu or RSV?

They can look similar. A test can tell. Read about RSV in babies.

Where can I learn more?

See flu guidance for parents at cdc.gov/flu and our guide on when to take your child to urgent care.

Get care today at PACS Urgent Care

Walk in or book online at our Alexandria flu clinic (3481 N Beauregard St, open 7 days, 8 AM to 8 PM) or book at our Ruther Glen flu clinic (17067 Merchants Dr, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM). Prefer to stay home? Start with a telemedicine visit.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician.