Doctors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have informed parents that children recovering from Influenza A infection may continue to experience coughing, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite for one to two weeks after their fever subsides. Specialists strongly advise against ignoring symptoms that persist during the recovery period.
Although most children fully recover from the acute infectious process within five to seven days, some require more time to return to their normal energy levels and eating habits. Furthermore, gastrointestinal discomforts such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort can occur during the illness and sometimes shortly afterward.
Dr. Nirosha Ponnuraj, a pediatrician at Prime Medical Center, Jumeirah branch in Dubai, noted that Influenza A is a highly contagious viral infection affecting children, and recovery times vary individually. She emphasized that while most children improve within three to seven days, some may experience residual symptoms for up to two weeks.
These prolonged symptoms can include coughing, tiredness, weakness, and decreased appetite, even after the fever disappears. For parents, this means that a child who appears to be recovering may still be struggling to return to a normal routine of sleep, nutrition, and activity.
Dr. Mamata Botra, a pediatrician and neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, stated that fatigue, persistent cough, low energy levels, and poor appetite can last one to two weeks, or even longer. She added that Influenza A can be particularly difficult for young children, and some may continue to experience symptoms even after their temperature normalizes.
Botra also warned that children with asthma, chronic conditions, or complications may require extra time to recover.
Doctors pointed out that influenza can affect children's digestive system, so it is crucial for parents to monitor not only respiratory signs but also food intake, hydration levels, and weight changes. Dr. Ponnuraj reiterated that children may face stomach-related issues concurrently with the infection.
She specified that children might feel nauseous, vomit, have diarrhea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite, but these signs usually improve as the infection resolves. Dr. Botra added that such symptoms can also depend on reduced food intake, dehydration, and the use of certain medications, and stomach discomfort can sometimes linger briefly after infection.
Doctors stressed that temporary loss of appetite during illness and early recovery is not always a cause for concern; the priority remains ensuring adequate fluid intake and a gradual return to normal eating. Dr. Hassan Hababa, a pediatrician at Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, Al Shahama, advised parents to focus on the child's overall condition rather than just the appetite.
He noted that temporary loss of appetite during illness and early recovery is possible, but it is much more important that the child remains well-hydrated and gradually resumes normal eating. However, parents should consult a pediatrician if poor eating persists, weight loss continues, or the child becomes unusually weak or lethargic. Hababa also recommended seeking medical attention if signs of dehydration are observed, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or lack of tears when crying. Botra supplemented this by advising to seek medical help if the child experiences persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration, including lethargy, dry mouth, or decreased urination.
Doctors explained that the flu usually develops suddenly, causing fever, body aches, severe fatigue, headache, sore throat, and cough, whereas common colds typically run milder. Children who are acutely ill are advised to stay home and limit close contact with others to minimize the risk of spreading the infection.
Returning to normal activities is permitted only upon general improvement and absence of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics. Additional precautions regarding others should be maintained for the following five days. Doctors particularly emphasized that influenza vaccination remains the most important specific preventive measure against influenza and its complications. Immunity develops in about two weeks, and annual vaccination is necessary due to the constant evolution of influenza viruses and the updating of vaccine composition.
Hababa concluded that parents should give children enough time to rest and recover, and encourage regular fluid intake. Medical attention should be sought in case of difficulty breathing, significant dehydration, unusual drowsiness, or if the fever or cough initially improves but then returns or worsens. Younger children, especially those under five years old, and children with chronic diseases require closer monitoring as they are at higher risk of flu-related complications.
