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Symptom Checker

Exposure to Flu

Flu exposure means a child has been around someone infected with influenza. Exposure can happen before or after the infected person realizes they are sick.

Influenza spreads mainly through respiratory particles released when people breathe, talk, cough or sneeze. Close household, school and childcare contact can all lead to exposure.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Exposure to Flu

The AAP guide below explains what to watch for after exposure and when to contact us.

AAP Symptom CheckerFlu exposure

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Symptom CheckerFlu exposure New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child is very young or has a condition that raises the risk of flu complications.
  • Your child develops sudden fever, body aches, fatigue or cough after the exposure.
  • You want to know whether preventive or early antiviral treatment may be appropriate.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has severe trouble breathing or ribs pulling in with each breath.
  • Your child’s lips or face turn blue or gray.
  • Your child is not alert, cannot be woken normally or has a seizure.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on fever and infection

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms