Q: My 4-year-old was discharged after Influenza A but has a poor appetite, excessive sleepiness, and fluctuating temperatures. Is this normal post-flu recovery?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, 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 was recently discharged from the hospital after being treated for Influenza A. Since coming home, my child hasn't been eating well, despite usually having a great appetite. I thought it was just the recovery process, but the poor appetite continues, and my child is sleeping much more than usual, about 12 to 13 hours a day, looking completely exhausted.

While sleeping, my child was moaning a bit, and the temperature dropped to 35.8°C at one point, so I warmed them up, worrying about hypothermia. Are these just the aftereffects of the flu?

Yesterday, the temperature stayed around the 37°C range, with low energy and no appetite, then spiked to 38°C in the afternoon, so I gave a fever reducer. After taking the medicine, my child regained some energy and ate a full bowl of rice for the first time since being discharged! However, until early this morning, the temperature has been fluctuating between 37.3°C and 37.8°C. Yesterday, my child even refused their favorite snacks after just a bite or two. I am so worried that there might be some other underlying pain.

Answer:

Hello, I understand you must be very worried as the recovery process after the flu seems to be dragging on.

It has been a while since your 4-year-old child was hospitalized for Influenza A, but symptoms like poor appetite, excessive sleep, and a mild fever are persisting. Unlike a common cold, it can take up to 2 to 3 weeks to fully recover from the flu.

【Current Situation Evaluation】

• Post-flu fatigue syndrome: Highly likely to be a normal recovery process.

• 35.8°C temperature: Within the normal range during deep sleep (requires re-measurement upon waking).

• Mild fever in the 37°C range: A sign that the body is still recovering.

• Poor appetite + excessive sleep: The body's process of conserving energy to heal.

【Immediate Actions to Take】

1. Hydration is the top priority - Offer water, warm broth, and ion drinks in small, frequent amounts.

2. Provide small amounts of their favorite foods.

3. Ensure adequate rest (sleeping 12-13 hours is perfectly fine).

4. Maintain indoor temperature at 24-26°C and humidity at 40-60%.

⚠️ When to Revisit the Hospital:

• A fever of 38.5°C or higher persists for more than 24 hours.

• Refusal to drink fluids or no urination for more than 8 hours.

• Rapid breathing or complaints of chest pain.

• Blurry consciousness or inability to answer properly.

It is a great sign that your child ate a full bowl of rice after taking the fever reducer! Recovery from the flu often happens in steps, with alternating periods of improvement and minor setbacks. Please monitor your child for about two more weeks, but visit the hospital immediately if any of the warning symptoms listed above appear.

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

https://fevercoach.us