Kids may experience nausea, vomiting after influenza A, UAE doctors warn

Children recovering from Influenza A may continue to experience a persistent cough, fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite for one to two weeks after their fever subsides, doctors in the UAE have warned. Parents are advised to monitor symptoms carefully during recovery and seek medical attention if warning signs appear.

While most children recover from the acute infection within five to seven days, some may take longer to regain their usual energy levels and eating habits.

Digestive symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort, may also occur during the illness and briefly continue afterwards.

Dr Nirosha Ponnuraj, Specialist Paediatrician at Prime Medical Center, Jumeirah Branch, Dubai, said recovery times vary from child to child. Although many children improve within three to seven days, lingering symptoms can last for one to two weeks.

Why Children May Continue to Feel Unwell After Fever

Dr Mamata Bothra, Specialist Paediatrics and Neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, said children may continue to experience fatigue, persistent coughing, reduced energy levels and poor appetite after their fever has resolved.

Children with asthma, underlying medical conditions or complications may require additional time to recover.

Influenza can also affect children's digestive systems, making it important for parents to monitor food intake, hydration and changes in weight.

According to Dr Ponnuraj, children may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and appetite loss. These symptoms generally improve as the infection resolves.

Dr Bothra added that reduced food intake, dehydration and certain medications may contribute to digestive discomfort during recovery.

When Should Parents Seek Medical Help?

Doctors said a temporary loss of appetite during illness and early recovery is not necessarily a cause for concern. Parents should focus on keeping children hydrated and gradually helping them return to their normal eating habits.

Dr Hassan Hababa, Specialist Paediatrics at Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, Al Shahama, said parents should assess their child's overall condition rather than focusing on appetite alone.

However, medical advice should be sought if poor food intake persists, weight loss continues, or the child becomes unusually weak or lethargic.

Parents should also watch for signs of dehydration, including:

Reduced urination
Dry mouth
No tears when crying
Unusual drowsiness or lethargy

Dr Bothra advised parents to seek medical attention if children experience persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea or signs of dehydration.

How Is Influenza Different from a Common Cold?

Influenza typically begins suddenly and may cause fever, body aches, severe fatigue, headache, sore throat and coughing. A common cold is generally milder.

Doctors recommend keeping children who are acutely unwell at home and limiting close contact with others to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Children should return to normal activities only when their symptoms are improving overall and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. Additional precautions around others are recommended for the following five days.

Vaccination Remains a Key Preventive Measure

Doctors stressed that annual influenza vaccination remains the most important specific preventive measure against flu and its complications.

Protection develops over approximately two weeks, and annual vaccination is necessary because influenza viruses continually evolve and vaccine composition is updated.

Dr Hababa advised parents to ensure children get sufficient rest and drink fluids regularly during recovery.

Medical attention should be sought if a child experiences difficulty breathing, significant dehydration, unusual drowsiness, or if a fever or cough initially improves but later returns or worsens.

Younger children, particularly those under five, and children with underlying medical conditions require closer monitoring because they face a greater risk of flu-related complications.