11/02/2026
INFLUENZA
(including Swine Flu H1N1)
What parents should know — and when to seek help
Influenza (flu), including the H1N1 “swine flu” strain from 2009 — is now part of the seasonal flu we see every year.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been seeing a number of flu cases in children requiring hospitalisation.
Colleagues treating adults are reporting the same trend.
This is an important reminder that flu is not “just a bad cold.”
Influenza can be a serious illness and may lead to complications such as:
* Sinusitis
* Bronchitis
* Pneumonia
👶 Who is most at risk of complications?
* Very young children
* The elderly
* Children or adults with heart or lung conditions
* Pregnant women
🩺 Why early recognition and treatment matter:
The earlier influenza is identified and treated, the lower the risk of serious (and sometimes life-threatening) complications.
During flu season, healthcare providers should have a high index of suspicion and monitor for complications.
🔍 Common flu symptoms in children
* 🤒 Fever
* 😖 Body aches
* 🤧 Blocked or congested nose
* 😷 Cough
* 😮💨 Tight chest
* 💨 Shortness of breath
* 😴 Extreme tiredness
* 🤕 Headaches
🚨 When to go to the ER urgently or contact your paediatrician
Please seek emergency care if your child has:
* Refusing to drink for a prolonged time or signs of dehydration
* Persistent vomiting
* Difficulty breathing (fast breathing, working hard to breathe, shallow breathing)
* Very fast heartbeat that doesn’t settle once the fever comes down
* Behaviour changes (confusion, unusual irritability, reduced responsiveness)
* Febrile seizures, or a history of febrile seizures with fever that is difficult to control
# # 💉 Prevention
The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
Vaccination reduces:
* The risk of severe illness
* The risk of complications
* The need for hospitalisation
🤍 Final reminder for parents
This guide is here to support you, but it will never replace your gut instinct.
If something about your child worries you, it’s okay to seek medical help.
Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician