Toddler and post illness fatigue

[VlcAbz]

my 18month old had a pretty nasty flu/virus around 3weeks ago. During the time of the illness she had a temp for 4days and slept LOADS which I know is normal and what she needed. Now however she is still very tired, not lethargic but constantly sucking her thumb and wanting cuddles. She will play but instantly just wants to stop to cuddle up and always looks like she could sleep! I was hoping 3weeks after we would see a slight improvement? Anyone else experienced this?? I just hate seeing her not like herself. No symptoms of illness now just this fatigue

I think she’s generally run down and just needs time to build up her immune system, maybe a tonic, extra fruit and veg and lots of naps and kindness.
id keep a diary of how she is day to day and take her temperature etc.
Also time outside, even just a short walk or a stroll in her buggy will help, fresh air is good to blow away the cobwebs.
maybe make a GP appointment just to rule out anything serious but meanwhile just love her better x

I’m not a dr!

But fatigue can linger, and I imagine if that combines with Christmas (more stuff going on, seeing different people, maybe a change in routine, maybe a bit overwhelming and exciting and therefore tiring) it might make it seem worse.

Thank you so much for replying! First time Mum and majorly overthink everything so this is just so reassuring thank you x

Although the anti Vax crowd will state the flu is harmless it can be quite serious for infants.
I'm not saying get an illegal vaccination or anything but a child can suffer quite heavily and can take a considerable amount of time if susceptible to that strain . My kid suffered quite heavily yearly until he got his first shot (nearly choked and hospitalised once). So if the child gets worse or worried go see a GP to make sure they are ok no matter what choices you make .

Has there been any improvement in their tiredness? Any other symptoms- cough? Wheezing? Pale?

If they're not improving, I'd make a GP appointment just in case. It may just be taking a long time to recover because it was a nasty virus and young children have immature immune systems.

My DD just had a similar sounding virus (has been better ie no temp for 6 days) but she's definitely still lethargic. I think it was a particularly nasty one, but you could always ask the GP to check her over next week if she's still the same?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. Tiredness still much the same and still a lot of thumb sucking! But no new fevers etc, eating and drinking pretty well. If she is still the same tomorrow I will contact GP in case before they close for the holidays again.
x

I could’ve written this about my DD in the summer! She was 18m to at the time. A nasty virus really knocked her, she got better about a week later but was extremely sleepy ALL the time (she also sucks her thumb) for maybe 2months afterwards. I was so worried I got her seen by a paed (lucky to have private healthcare through work). Upon examining her he diagnosed her with ‘post viral fatigue’ done bloods to be sure and they all came back fine but I was so worried at the time.

Did she have antibiotics? If she didn’t might be worth getting her checked by your doc.

My 3yo had something similar and id say is still recovering. He came down with it exactly a week before Christmas, had 5 days of temps and needing alternate Calpol/Nurofen just to be acceptably comfortable. He slept A LOT. He's been gradually improving since but it's very slow. I'd let her rest as much as she needs, offer lots of healthy foods, drinks and some time outside even if it's just sat in a buggy for a walk.

Covid is on the rise again. My healthy 18 year old brought it back with him from uni. His brother is immunosuppressed due to medical issues so we all get vaccines (even though only youngest gets it on NHS, the rest of us get a private one we scrimp and save for). Fortunately we tested and eldest isolated in his room,to keep his brother safe. He slept a LOT, still is after 2 weeks. He's not got anything since mid Sept whilst at uni, probably because he is vaccinated and extremely healthy. He says his head feels like its stuffed with cotton wool and he can't concentrate, even when gaming.

Its still a very real issue. If it can do that to him, I'm sure it would have a worse effect on a young child. I'm hoping my son doesn't develop long covid again like I have had for 4 years and he had before. I hope your DC is ok and gets better soon.

I am not following your post.

Anti-vaxxers? NHS and flu spray annually in schools is a widely accepted programme by most parents.

I think it’s well understood proper flu (not a severe cold) can be very serious hence why the NHS do this and have for years.

What is an illegal shot? That’s the part I’m not following at all? Every child gets them offered so what would be illegal?

I assume she was referring to OP’s child being too young for the vaccine (and with no medical conditions that would mean it’s given), therefore not being able to get it legitimately. No idea where anyone would get an illegal one from though!

Ah thank you!! That makes sense! My son is nearly 9 so completely forgot they don’t get them until a certain age!