When it comes to the flu affecting children, it is something NEVER to be taken lightly.  As parents, naturally, you worry when your little one starts sneezing, coughing, or running a fever. But amid the concern, it’s easy to fall for misinformation that spreads faster than the flu itself. From old wives’ tales to viral social media posts, many myths about influenza in children continue to mislead even the most well-meaning parents.

To help clear the air, Dr Noor Zehan Binti Abdul Rahim, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Respiratory Specialist, sets the record straight by breaking down some of the most common myths and misconceptions about the flu—and revealing the truth that every parent needs to know.

Myth: The Flu is Just a Bad Cold; It’s Not Serious

Reality: While the flu shares some symptoms with the common cold, such as a runny nose and cough, it is much more serious. Influenza can cause severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions. Children under 5 years old, especially those under 2, are at higher risk of complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections.

 

“Flu can have serious consequences, even in otherwise healthy children. It is a respiratory virus that can lead to hospitalisation or other complications, and it should be taken seriously,” says Dr. Noor Zehan.

 

 

Myth: A Child Can’t Get the Flu If They Haven’t Been Exposed to Sick People

Reality: Influenza spreads easily, even through the air via respiratory droplets, when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Children can contract the flu even if they haven’t had close contact with a sick person, particularly in crowded environments like daycare centres, schools, or public places where people may be unaware they are contagious.

 

“Influenza can be transmitted even when an infected person isn’t showing symptoms yet. The flu can spread before a person realises they’re sick, meaning children in school or daycare settings are at higher risk of exposure,” explains Dr. Noor Zehan.

Myth: The Flu Vaccine Gives Children the Flu

 

Reality: The flu vaccine contains either an inactivated virus (in the case of the injectable vaccine) or a weakened virus (in the case of the nasal spray). Neither version of the vaccine can cause the flu. Some children may experience mild side effects like fever or soreness at the injection site, but these are not the same as the flu and usually resolve within a day or two.

 

“The flu vaccine cannot cause influenza. The mild side effects children experience after vaccination are temporary and far less severe than actual flu symptoms. The vaccine is designed to protect children from the flu and prevent serious complications,” she explains.

 

 

Myth: Antibiotics Can Cure the Flu

Reality: The flu is caused by a virus, and antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. While antibiotics might be prescribed if a child develops a secondary bacterial infection (such as pneumonia or ear infections), they won’t help with the flu. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir, can shorten the duration of flu symptoms if started early but are not a cure.

 

“Antibiotics are ineffective for viral illnesses like the flu and should only be used if there’s a bacterial complication. Antiviral medication is important when appropriate and within the first 48 hours of symptom onset,” she says.

 

 

Myth: If My Child Has a Runny Nose and Cough, It’s Definitely the Flu

Reality: While a runny nose and cough are common symptoms of the flu, they can also occur in other viral infections, such as the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or even allergies. The flu typically also involves fever, body aches, and fatigue. A rapid flu test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, but symptoms alone aren’t always conclusive.

“Multiple different conditions can cause a runny nose and cough. The flu usually comes with additional symptoms like fever, chills, and muscle aches. If a child is showing severe symptoms, or if parents are concerned, they should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.”

 

 

Myth: Children Can’t Get the Flu if They’re Healthy

Reality: Even healthy children are at risk of contracting the flu, and it can cause serious complications, particularly for children under 5 years old, those with asthma or other chronic conditions, or children with weakened immune systems. Healthy children can still develop severe symptoms like pneumonia or need hospitalisation.

 

“The flu can affect any child, regardless of their health status, and that even otherwise healthy children can experience severe complications. Vaccination is a key step in preventing flu-related illnesses.”

 

 

Myth: If My Child’s Fever Goes Down, the Flu Is Gone

 

Reality: Fever reduction from medication doesn’t necessarily mean that the flu is over. Even if the fever improves, the child may still be contagious for several days and may have other symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, and a cough. Influenza can still cause complications even after fever reduction.

 

“While reducing a fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with comfort, it does not mean that the infection has resolved. Parents should ensure their child is fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school or daycare and should be aware of lingering symptoms.”

 

 

Myth: The Flu is Only Contagious While the Child Has Symptoms

Reality: Children with influenza can be contagious before symptoms appear and can continue to spread the virus for up to 7 days after symptoms start. This means that a child can spread the flu to others even if they don’t feel very sick or before they even show symptoms.

 

“Flu transmission can occur before symptoms appear, and it’s important to keep sick children home from school or daycare to prevent spreading the illness to others.”

 

Myth: Over-the-Counter Medications Will Cure the Flu

 

Reality: Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers (paracetamol or ibuprofen) and decongestants may help manage flu symptoms like fever, aches, or congestion, but they do not cure the flu. The virus must run its course, and symptoms can last for several days. Antiviral medications may help reduce the duration of the illness if started early.

 

“While over-the-counter medications can alleviate symptoms and help children feel more comfortable, they do not treat the flu itself. Antiviral medications may be prescribed for more severe cases, but the flu will typically resolve with supportive care,” Dr. Noor Zehan advises.