Treating Flu in Kids: What Medicine Can I Give My Child?

Flu season seems to be starting early this year! Boo. (The bad boo, not the Halloween boo).

According to influenza surveillance data published in October 2026, flu activity is increasing in many parts of the United States, although overall activity remains low nationally. Since flu season can change quickly, you can follow the latest trends through the CDC's weekly FluView reports.

If your child has the flu, what medicine can you give them? Do they need a prescription? When should you call the pediatrician?

This article talks about treating the flu in kids, which medications can help, and how to keep your little one comfortable while their body fights the infection.

Related: It's not too late to get your child's flu vaccine! Read our Flu Shot for Kids guide for the latest recommendations.

What Are the Symptoms of Flu in Kids?

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

Flu usually comes on suddenly and can be severe. Symptoms may include:

• Fever and chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue and weakness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can be more common in children

Fun pharmacy nerd fact: In pharmacy school, I wrote "nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea" so many times that I started abbreviating it as NVD. Years later, I still occasionally catch myself thinking in pharmacy school shorthand.

A healthcare provider can help you distinguish between the flu and other viruses or colds.

For more help recognizing the differences, read our Flu vs. Common Cold Symptoms Checklist.

Which Children Are at Higher Risk From the Flu?

Most children recover from influenza without serious complications, but some are more likely to become severely ill.

Children at higher risk include:

• Children younger than 5 years, especially those younger than 2
• Children with asthma or other chronic lung diseases
• Children with heart, kidney, liver, or metabolic conditions, including diabetes
• Children with certain neurologic or neuromuscular conditions
• Children with weakened immune systems

Influenza can also cause complications in otherwise healthy children, including pneumonia, dehydration, and ear infections.

If your child is in a higher risk group and develops flu symptoms, contact their pediatrician promptly. They may benefit from prescription antiviral treatment, even if symptoms started more than 48 hours ago.

How to Treat Flu in Kids at Home

For many children, flu treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing dehydration, and allowing time for recovery.

Encourage fluids and rest

Fever, reduced appetite, and vomiting can increase dehydration risk. Offer small, frequent amounts of fluids. Water, breast milk, formula, soups, and other age-appropriate drinks can help.

An oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte is a good option when a child is losing fluids or struggling to drink enough.

Rest is also important. Of course, getting a child to rest can sometimes feel like negotiating with a tiny, very grumpy CEO. Quiet activities, books, and extra sleep are all reasonable options.

Try honey for coughing (age 12 months and older)

For children 12 months and older, honey may help a cough, especially at bedtime.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests about 2 to 5 mL (about ½ to 1 teaspoon), as needed.

Honey is not safe for babies younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

Nasal saline for congestion

Saline nose drops help loosen mucus and make breathing easier.

For babies and younger children, gentle suction with a bulb syringe or Nose Frida, done after saline drops, may help, particularly before feeding.

Cool mist humidifier

A cool mist humidifier can help relieve dryness and congestion. Run it at night or while your child is resting. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and clean the device regularly.

What Medicine Can I Give My Child for Flu?

Over-the-counter medications cannot eliminate the influenza virus, but some can help children feel more comfortable while they recover.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen can help relieve:

• Fever-related discomfort, aches, and pains
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat pain

Use an age- and weight-appropriate dose and measure liquid medicine with an oral syringe.

For infants younger than 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, seek prompt medical evaluation rather than treating the fever at home first.

If your child is under age 2 and has a fever or flu, talk with your pediatrician first.

Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil)

Ibuprofen also helps reduce fever, pain, and inflammation.

It is generally used in children 6 months and older. If your child is under age 2 and has a fever or flu, talk with your pediatrician first.

Ibuprofen may not be appropriate for children who are dehydrated, vomiting repeatedly, or have certain kidney or medical conditions. In these circumstances, check with your doctor.

Fever

The goal of fever medication is to increase comfort. Look more at how your child is acting than the number on the thermometer.

Should I alternate Tylenol and Motrin?

Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen is not routinely necessary. Using two medicines on different schedules can increase the risk of dosing mistakes.

If one medicine doesn't provide adequate relief, talk with your pediatrician before starting an alternating schedule.

We explain the practical considerations in our guide to alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Related: Tylenol vs. Motrin: When to Choose Each Option

What about cough and cold medicines?

Combination cough and cold products usually offer limited benefit for young children and can cause unwanted side effects.

They may also contain acetaminophen, creating a risk of accidentally giving a double dose if your child is already taking Tylenol.

For younger children, honey (when age-appropriate), saline, fluids, and comfort measures are often better starting points.

Avoid aspirin

Avoid aspirin and other salicylate-containing products, including certain stomach medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate, in children and teenagers with influenza because of the association with Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

Children prescribed aspirin for a specific medical condition should follow their specialist's instructions.

When Do Kids Need Antiviral Medication?

Prescription antiviral medications target the influenza virus rather than just treating symptoms.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends antiviral treatment for children with suspected or confirmed flu who:

• Are hospitalized
• Have severe, complicated, or worsening illness
• Are at higher risk of influenza complications

For otherwise healthy children with uncomplicated flu, antiviral treatment may also be considered, particularly when started within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

Important: The 48-hour window is not an absolute cutoff. Children with severe illness or higher-risk conditions may still benefit from treatment after that point.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is commonly used in children. Your pediatrician can help determine whether an antiviral is appropriate based on your child's age, health, symptoms, and timing.

We'll cover Tamiflu's benefits, side effects, dosing, and practical administration tips in a separate guide.

When to Call the Pediatrician or Seek Emergency Care

Most children with the flu can be safely managed at home with supportive care and rest. However, the flu can be severe for some children, and parents should monitor symptoms closely.

Contact your pediatrician promptly if:

• Your child is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Your child has a medical condition that increases their risk of complications
• Fever persists, symptoms are worsening, or your child seems unusually unwell
• Symptoms improve and then return with a new fever or worsening cough
• Your child is drinking much less than usual or showing early signs of dehydration

Seek emergency medical care if:

• Your child has difficulty breathing, severe respiratory distress, or blue or gray lips
• Your child is difficult to wake, unresponsive, or confused
• Your child has a seizure
• Your child has severe dehydration, such as very little urine along with marked lethargy
• Your child is unable to drink and appears seriously ill

Trust your instincts. You know your child best, and if something seems seriously wrong, seek medical attention!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does flu last in kids?

Many children start improving within a few days, though fatigue and cough may linger for a week or longer. Contact your pediatrician if symptoms worsen or your child isn't recovering as expected.

Does my child need Tamiflu for the flu?

Not every child needs an antiviral. Treatment is particularly important for children with severe illness or a higher risk of complications. For otherwise healthy children, the decision depends on symptoms, timing, and a discussion with their pediatrician.

Can I give Tylenol or Motrin for flu?

Yes. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve fever-related discomfort and body aches when used appropriately for your child's age, weight, and health. Ibuprofen is generally for children 6 months and older and should be avoided in children who are dehydrated.

Can my child take antibiotics for flu?

Antibiotics don't treat influenza because the flu is caused by a virus. However, a child who develops a bacterial complication, such as certain ear infections or bacterial pneumonia, may need antibiotics.

The Bottom Line

Flu can make kids feel absolutely miserable, but many children recover with fluids, rest, and age-appropriate symptom relief.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help with discomfort, while saline, honey for children older than 1 year, and other supportive measures can make those sick days a little easier.

For children at higher risk or those who are seriously ill, early communication with the pediatrician is especially important because antiviral medications may help.

And remember, annual influenza vaccination remains one of the best ways to reduce your child's risk of flu and serious complications.

Stay well!

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2026, August 10). AAP (influenza) flu prevention & treatment recommendations for 2026–27. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/aap-%28influenza%29-flu-prevention-recommendations-for-2026-27.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). The flu: What parents need to know. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/flu/Pages/the-flu-what-parents-need-to-know.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Coughs and colds: Medicines or home remedies? HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Coughs-and-Colds-Medicines-or-Home-Remedies.aspx

Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2026). Recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, 2026–2027: Policy statement. Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2026-078778

Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2026). Recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, 2026–2027: Technical report. Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2026-078779

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026, October 16). Weekly US influenza surveillance report: Key updates for week 40, ending October 10, 2026. FluView. https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-40.html