COVID-19 Update: Your health is our greatest priority. We are operating from Mon-Tues-Wed & Frid from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thur from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We offer Telephone Consultations and free Medication delivery to your home.

Skip to main content
Call Us

Flu Specialist

Cool Kidz Pediatrics Our Services Flu
Cool Kidz Pediatrics - - Pediatrics

Cool Kidz Pediatrics

Pediatrics located in Tampa, FL & Petersburg, FL

The seasonal flu is a common illness that can confine your child to bed for several days or more, but identifying the type of virus they have can make treatment easier. The team at Cool Kidz Pediatrics, led by Ananth Pillai, MD, and Lilivette Rolland, MD, in Tampa, Florida, performs tests for flu virus types A and B to obtain an accurate diagnosis. If you think your child has the flu, call or book an appointment online today.

Flu Q&A

What is the flu?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a severe viral disease that comes around every season from about October to May. Two main types of viruses cause the seasonal flu, called types A and B. These viruses mutate, or change, so often that new flu viruses and vaccines come out every year.


How do I know if my child has the flu?

Symptoms of the flu are similar to those of a cold. However, flu symptoms are more severe and tend to develop faster. A child with the flu may show some or all of the following symptoms:


  • Fever 
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea


Most of the time, children recover from the flu within a week. In some cases, the flu develops into a serious illness that requires hospitalization. If your child has flu symptoms, it’s important to bring them to Cool Kidz Pediatrics for prompt treatment. 


How is the flu diagnosed?

First, your provider at Cool Kidz Pediatrics asks you to describe your child’s symptoms and medical history. They perform a physical exam and may take tests, such as a type A and B flu tests. 

A flu test involves swabbing your child’s nose or throat to collect a sample for lab testing. This test reveals the type of virus that’s causing the flu, so your provider can prescribe the appropriate treatment. 


How is the flu treated?

Your provider at Cool Kidz Pediatrics discusses the best treatment options for your child’s specific condition. Depending on your child’s age and the severity of their symptoms, treatment may include:

  • Getting plenty of bed rest
  • Drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Taking antiviral medication to ease symptoms
  • Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and pain
     

The flu spreads from person-to-person, so it’s important that your child stays home from school or daycare until they feel better. They should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication before they return to school. 

For rapid flu testing and treatment, call Cool Kidz Pediatrics, or book an appointment online today.  

What we offer

Featured Services