Q: My 4-year-old has had a fever for 5 days, and I just tested positive for Flu A. Is it still worth getting my child tested for the flu?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 4-year-old child had a fever that started five days ago. At the time, I didn't get my child tested for the flu because I was told it might show a false negative on the first day. However, I recently tested positive for Influenza A, so I strongly suspect my child caught it from me. Currently, my child is taking symptom-relief medication for a runny nose and a cough. Would it be meaningful to get my child tested for the flu tomorrow (which would be day 6) and potentially change the medication?

Answer:

Given that you have been confirmed positive for Influenza A, there is a very high probability that your 4-year-old child is also experiencing the flu.

Current Situation Assessment:

Flu antiviral medications (such as Tamiflu) are most effective when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset. Once 5 days have passed, they have little to no effect. Therefore, even if a flu test comes back positive at this late stage, it is highly unlikely that your doctor would prescribe antiviral medication.

Recommendations:

At this point, it is recommended to focus on managing your child's symptoms rather than pursuing a flu test.

• Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and stays well-hydrated.

• Administer fever reducers (such as Acetaminophen at 10-15mg/kg) only when the fever makes your child uncomfortable.

• Use a humidifier to help ease the cough and runny nose.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care:

Please bring your child to a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

• High fever persisting for 5 days or longer.

• Symptoms that suddenly worsen, or a fever that returns after an initial period of recovery.

• Signs of dehydration (such as not urinating for 8 hours or more).

The flu typically lasts for 5 to 7 days, so we expect your child's condition to improve soon. Continue giving the current symptom-relief medications as prescribed. However, if the symptoms worsen or persist for more than 7 days, please follow up with your pediatrician for a re-evaluation.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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