Bad Behavior Following the Flu

Updated on January 17, 2015
S.M. asks from Lincoln, NE
9 answers

I have a 3 1/2 yr old son who has always been pretty emotional but is generally a good kid. Even though he had the flu shot, he still got it, with a 104.5 fever and ever since has been very obstinant, aggressive, and extremely emotional. He's not that way 100% of the time but far more often than I would like. He's behaving like this at daycare and at Sunday School, not just at home. We only gave him Ibuprofin and Tylenol when he was sick (no Tamiflu). We've tried discipline and positive reinforcement but nothing works. Has anyone else seen this bahavior after the flu?

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L.G.

answers from Iowa City on

My daughter had the flu a month ago and was still irritable and tired a week ago. I took her to the ped because she was complaining of pain in her arm and leg. Dr. said she was having residual body aches from the nasty bout with the flu. She took Tamiflu back in January for it and is finally feeling better. It is tough on them and like others have said, give him extra love and some vitamin rich foods. He'll be feeling better soon.

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D.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

i would agree with the other post, in that he may still not feel 100%. make sure he is getting extra rest, tylenol and extra snuggles....

1 mom found this helpful
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D.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son got sick also and had some behaviors that were not typical of him. He just needs extra naps and good nutrition. It is difficult but I am sure it will pass. If he continues it would be a good idea to visit the doc to rule out other issues.
My son got the flu shot in October and still got sick. They were even saying that the flu shot that they were giving out is fighting the flu that is going around. Also, phemonia is rampt right now.
I am sorry that you are having a difficult time.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.B.

answers from Rapid City on

I am concerned, having just recovered, I think from the flu myself, it hangs in there in odd ways longer than you might expect. I too have been more emotional an irritable for over a month. The high fever concerns me too. I would suggest talking to your pediatrician, sit down and write down some real markable observations and take them in to rule out other things, plus this flu seems to spin into other things as both myself and my kids now have the hacking cough again after we thought it was gone. High fevers in children can be dangerous, and affect many things. He also may just be not quite up to par yet, physically, this has been a long lasting flu. Keep giving fluids(water), and rest. - A little about myself, 39 year old SM, school teacher, and childbirth educator. Mother of 4 Bradley Babies. Good luck with everything.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.F.

answers from St. Cloud on

Hi S.!
Does he take regular naps? My son was sick not long ago and for 2 weeks afterward he needed a 2 hour nap every day or he would have all of those behaviours you listed. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to totally feel like yourself again after any illness.
Also, cutting out refined foods (flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup) may help. Who knows, he may have developed a sensitivity to those foods???
I hope things go better for you!
***ETA*** I agree with Dawn that the flu shot wouldn't have helped. Even the CDC says that their flu shots are not working.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from Lincoln on

S.,

It sounds like he still might be recovering. Give him extra naps and try some soft music around the house to see if it will calm him. If he is still this way, try to find some activities where he can be really active, such as running around outside (bundle him up for the cold). He may need to work it out.

Good luck,

L. :)

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S.P.

answers from Denver on

I know it has been years since this post but I'm wondering what ever came of this for you and your son. My son is 4 1/2 and just recovered from the flu and is behaving completely different than we have ever experienced before. It sounds very much like your situation so I just wanted to know how/if it resolved. Thanks

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B.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

Never heard of anything like that.. how long has the flu been gone? He may still not feel good. If it's been awhile bring him in to his pediatrician.

Next year get him a flu shot in October and won't have to go through this. My daughter had the flu at 2 years old and it was horrible and I never wanted her to ever go through that again so we do flu shots every year.

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K.H.

answers from Milwaukee on

seriously i would stop giving him Tylenol. it doesnt work. every mom i know sais so too. Motrin works best i found. maybe it shim coming down from the medicine. my nephew is with my sister everyother week and she gives him so much candy. when he comes to my house he gets good nutritious meals and healthy snacks. no candy but hes is also very ornary and wigs out or gets moody for no reason. hes going through withdrawl. i also have heard flu shot dont work. my dad got a flu shot and was sick for two weeks after it. i also would get a second opinion

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