Influenza (commonly called “the flu”) is one of the most uncomfortable viruses your child may experience. The flu can cause a multitude of symptoms, all of which can pack a heavy punch. But how do you know if your child has the flu? Read on to learn about the flu and testing at home (including where to buy test kits), so you can stay bundled up on the couch with a bowl of ice cream instead of sitting in a doctor’s waiting room.
What is the flu?
The flu is a highly contagious viral upper respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The virus infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Infection rates are highest among children (roughly 20-30 percent annually) and occur seasonally, most often during the fall and winter months (but can occur at any time of year). Influenza can cause mild to severe illness.
Symptoms
Many flu symptoms are similar to the common cold, such as fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat. Some symptoms, however, are specific to the flu, including headache, muscle aches, body aches, tiredness or fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (the latter three are more common in children). Most symptoms tend to resolve by day seven, but coughing and feeling tired can hang around longer. Most people fully recover in two weeks.
Causes
The flu is caused by the influenza virus and is spread by droplets containing the virus. Those droplets enter the body through mucous membranes - nose, mouth, or eyes. Your child might get the flu if an infected person coughs or sneezes near them, or your child may touch a surface with droplets and infect themselves by touching their face afterward.
During the height of COVID-19, we did a good job encouraging people not to touch their face. However, this is good advice when any illness is circulating, not just COVID-19.
Contagious Period
Your child is most contagious with the flu during the first 3-4 days of flu symptoms. However, the flu can be contagious about one day before symptoms begin showing and up to seven days after symptoms go away.
Diagnosis
Influenza is generally diagnosed in a doctor’s office, where your child’s nostrils or throat will be swabbed and then tested in the office or sent to the lab.
Sometimes, doctors decide not to test your child; instead, they assess basic information like their symptoms and who they’ve been around. (If your family was just at a birthday party and found out one of the partygoers had a confirmed flu diagnosis, and now you or your children are sick with flu-like symptoms, the answer is fairly clear, yeah?)
Treatment
Antiviral medications (such as Tamiflu) can help reduce flu symptoms if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. These medicines help decrease the symptoms and may reduce the length of illness, but don’t eliminate all symptoms.
Not everyone who gets the flu needs to be treated, so discuss this with your doctor or a Blueberry pediatrician. Antiviral medications are generally recommended for kids under five years old, folks over 65 years old, and anyone who is considered to be high-risk (diabetes, heart conditions, asthma, immunocompromised, etc).
Whether or not an antiviral medication is prescribed, it's important that your child gets adequate sleep and stays hydrated. You can also administer over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, to help ease the discomfort of fevers or body aches. A few reminders about over-the-counter medicines:
- Children under 18 years old should not take aspirin
- Infants under six months old should not take ibuprofen
- Infants under three months old should not take any medication unless approved by a pediatrician
- Cough and cold medications should be avoided in all children under six years old, and given with extreme caution in children under 12 years old
Is there an at-home test for flu?
Yes, there are two over-the-counter options for flu testing at home: Lucira and Pixel. Both tests can be used on individuals aged two years or older.
Lucira by Pfizer
Lucira is a rapid antigen test that detects proteins from the Influenza A and B viruses. A sample is taken from your child’s nose using a swab, and test results are available within 30 minutes - without ever having to leave your home! A single test costs $39.99*. The Lucira test can also detect COVID-19 (which presents with similar symptoms as the flu, so more bang for your buck!).
Pixel by Labcorp
Pixel is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that detects genetic material from viruses. In addition to the flu, Pixel tests for COVID-19 and RSV; all three viruses share many of the same symptoms, so testing for them all at once with just one swab is nice!
Like the Lucira test, a sample is taken from your child’s nose using a swab; however, the Pixel swab must be mailed to a lab, where it is processed. Test results are available one to two days after the lab receives the swab. A single test costs $129* - pricey compared to Lucira (plus a longer wait time for results). Some insurance plans may help cover the cost - so check to see if your plan will reimburse you.
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Are at-home flu tests reliable?
At-home flu tests are generally reliable, although false-positive or false-negative results may occur. It's recommended to follow the instructions carefully and consult a doctor for confirmation and/or guidance.
What happens if my child’s home flu test results are positive?
If the flu test results are positive, and your child is within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, antiviral medication may be indicated and prescribed. Please talk with your Blueberry pediatrician or primary care physician to see if treatment is recommended for your child.
What happens if my child’s home flu test results are negative?
At home tests are helpful if positive, and less helpful if negative. A negative test means the flu virus was not detected, but you/your child may still be infected/sick due to influenza.
False-negative results occur more often when flu activity in the community is high - when everyone everywhere seems to be sick! If you or your child fall in the high-risk bucket we discussed (under 5, over 65, or have an underlying condition) and are experiencing flu-like symptoms but test results come back negative, please reach out to your doctor or Blueberry Pediatrics to discuss treatment options.
Where can I buy an at-home flu test?
At home flu tests can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy. Blueberry Pediatrics members can also see our recommendations for at-home flu testing in the app!
How do I know which test to choose?
The benefit of rapid antigen tests, like Lucira, is that the test results are available within minutes of swabbing your child’s nose! Knowing results as soon as possible is important since antiviral treatment for the flu needs to be started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Waiting for 3-4 days for test results, such as with the Pixel test, is not ideal since the window for starting treatment has passed by the time you receive the results. Treatment for most viral illnesses, including the flu, is the same, so no matter which virus is causing you to feel ill, testing to know the exact diagnosis is rarely necessary - aside from easing your curiosity!
Most important for treatment is remembering the basics:
- If your child is sick, keep them home and away from others, no matter what virus they’ve picked up
- Remind your child to wash their hands well and often
- Disinfect your child’s space frequently, especially if shared with other family members If symptoms worsen or become severe, call your child’s doctor
- Whether your child has the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, treatment options remain the same unless they experience complications
Get care for your family with Blueberry Pediatrics
Whether your child has the flu, COVID-19, RSV, or another illness, Blueberry Pediatrics is here for you and your family.
Blueberry Pediatrics is an on-demand, virtual pediatric healthcare service for children aged 0 to 21. It offers unlimited, 24/7 visits with board-certified pediatricians via text, phone, or video, and the ability to get a doctor's note easily through the app when a doctor determines that your child should stay home from school or daycare.
The best part? An entire year of Blueberry membership costs less than the typical copay of a single urgent care visit, and one membership covers all children in your household! It's like having a doctor's office in your house. Sign up here to chat with a pediatrician right away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do at-home flu tests work?
For both available at-home flu tests, you will take a sample from your child’s nose using a swab. Lucira, test results are available within 30 minutes. The Pixel test requires you to send the swab to a lab for analysis using a prepaid package, and test results will be available one to two days after the swab is received.
Do you need a doctor’s prescription to order an at-home flu test?
Unlike rapid strep tests that you administer at home, you do not need a prescription from a doctor to purchase an at-home flu test.
Does my child need antibiotics if they test positive for flu?
No. Antibiotics are only prescribed for bacterial infections, and viruses cause the flu. Treatment isn’t necessary for everyone, but antiviral medications) can help reduce flu symptoms if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Otherwise, focus on keeping your child rested and hydrated.
