Influenza symptoms that we should not ignore 2026

Influenza consists of a very contagious viral infection that affects the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by being an acute viral infection, the severity of which is actually very variable, extremely common in the fall and winter season (with a greater number of cases in the winter months), and is considered by many specialists as one of the most severe viral diseases.

Despite being a respiratory tract infection, in most cases the truth is that general symptoms tend to predominate over respiratory symptoms. However, it is quite common to confuse influenza with the common cold, precisely because their symptoms can be similar.

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But there's one clear difference that could help many moms and dads know if they're dealing with the common cold or the flu: not just how quickly their child feels the symptoms, but how severe they are. It is in turn caused by different viruses, known as influenza viruses type A and B (the most common and characteristic of typically winter epidemics) and influenza virus type C (it is less serious, causing a very mild respiratory illness or almost without symptoms).

Thus, influenza is usually much more intense and debilitating, and can cause a high fever for 3 days or more. In addition, its symptoms appear suddenly, lasting approximately one to two weeks. However, the symptoms of the common cold usually appear gradually, their duration is much shorter and they generally tend to be somewhat milder, disappearing after a few days.

What are the most common symptoms of influenza?

The incubation period is usually actually short, averaging between approximately one to three days. And the most common thing is that these symptoms begin abruptly.

In children, flu symptoms are usually almost the same as in adults. These symptoms include:

• Fever: The rise in body temperature occurs suddenly. And it can be as high as 39.4 ºC (103 ºF) to 40.5 ºC (105 ºF). It is advisable not to cover the child with more clothing or blankets, trying to keep him as cool as possible. Your pediatrician may advise you to take ibuprofen or paracetamol for children.
• Headache:
• Muscle pain: It can be really severe, especially in the extremities and back. So much so that the child appears uncomfortable and very painful. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain bed rest. Pain relievers can also help relieve discomfort and body pain.
• Abdominal pain: Although it is common, especially when accompanied by diarrhea, this symptom is more characteristic of group B viruses.
• Tiredness and lack of appetite: These are other common symptoms when a child has influenza. The lack of appetite and the feeling of tiredness and fatigue are joined by general malaise, as well as irritability and anger. This tiredness may be felt for 3 to 5 weeks.

After a few days, other symptoms may appear, such as:

• Dry cough: This is a type of cough without expectoration, which can also cause pain every time the child coughs. In influenza, it is normal for this cough to get worse as the days go by. If your child has a bad cough, the doctor may also be able to prescribe cough medicine.
• Runny or stuffy nose: Runny nose is known medically as rhinorrhea.
• Hoarseness and sore throat: As a dry cough becomes pronounced it can cause hoarseness and pain when swallowing.

In some children, other symptoms may also arise such as:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

If you present any of these symptoms, together with abdominal discomfort or pain, it will be necessary to follow a diet based on soft foods, which are usually better tolerated when we are sick with influenza. You can try: non-whole wheat bread and pasta, cereals such as cream of wheat or oats, gelatin or fruit juices mixed with water. It is also very important to ensure that the child drinks plenty of fluids.

Medical treatment does not help to cure the infection, but rather to relieve the symptoms that the child has until the disease passes. However, we must remember that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, which is why they are not prescribed in most cases.

Luckily, most children recover from the flu in about a week. And, in general, it usually presents a short evolution coupled with rapid improvement. Despite the fact that, as we have mentioned, some symptoms persist for a few more days or weeks.

In the event that the contagion has occurred due to an epidemic, serious complications are rarely observed.