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?
Updated: Sep 7
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.
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