Flu- Maybe Pneumonia?

M., if she's sneezing bloody mucous that might be like a secondary sinus infection-sometimes those ride in on the coat tails of things like the flu. I'm not by any means a Dr. but I don't think that's pneumonia.

My doc told me when we were worried about a virus turning into pneumonia to watch for these signs:
1. Return of fever after it broke already.
2. Rapid breathing.
3. Flaring of the nostrils
4. Seeing the stomach kind of suck in under the rib cage when your child inhales.

Any one of these and you do need to get her in to be seen.

Do you have health insurance? I have had both Aetna and United Health and when I called the numbers on the back of the cards you can talk to one of their nurses 24 hrs a day-they might be able to tell you what to look for and whether a trip to the ER is necessary or whether you can wait it out.

Hope this helps, and I REALLY hope you and your babies all get to feeling better soon!

When I had pneumonina a few months back, I never had bloody mucus. I had a high fever, terrible aches, and was horrible sleepy. I thought that I was getting over the flu, but I didn't even have a terrible cough or anything. I went to the E.R. b/c I just felt "off" and that something was wrong. They did a chest x-ray and I was told by the doc that I had a "Big!" pneumonia.
What you're describing doesn't sound like it to me, but if you feel weird, there's no harm in getting it checked out besides a possible unnessary co-payment, which are never fun I know.
A suggestion for the kids though, have someone watch them for an hour or so and go stock up on popsicles, jello, cold, soft fruit, pudding, juice, gatorade, etc. And get to the movie store and rent a few kid movies. When I felt like this, I didn't want to be alone in my room, so I lived in the living room for a week and a half.
I hope everything goes as easily as possible for you! I'll keep you and your kids and your sanity in my prayers! God Bless!

Yeah, I would not suspect Pneumonia immediately. I would honestly just watch and wait. Maybe her sinuses are bothering her some, possibly even a little dry in her nose, which causes my daughter to get nose bleeds at times. Try running the humidifier and see if that helps. It sounds like you are totally in for it, so I would try to get movies, lots of drinks of every kind, simple foods to eat, and soft cozy blankets..and hope for the best!! I am sorry to hear of this for you...knock on wood, we have never had the flu as a family, nor have we gotten the shots! I cant even imagine! (We have had kids get pneumonia though, but it was only after a cold that never cleared up etc.) ~A.~

Hello M.,

I hope you are all feeling better. I'm writing to recommend you get some elderberry (they have kid's version too) at wholefoods or sprouts or any healthfood store. start taking it 2 - 3 times/day for the next few days to help with the flu. (elderbery has antiviral properties) Echinacea helps too. However, echinacea is a ragweed (just in case any of you are allergic to echinacea). Also, do you ever go to the chiropractor? now would be a good time to get an adjustment too. And perhaps a good time to avoid milk products to minimize the phlem. Anise seed tea is a good expectorant and helps to loosen plem. Get well soon! ~C.~

Definitely call your doctor and maybe next year consider the flu shots for your family. Kids over 2 can get the mist in the nose so you don't have to deal with a shot and our insurance has covered ours. We have done shots in our family for several years now and it gives me piece of mind that even if the shot turns out to be different than the strain there is like a 97-99% chance that it won't be as severe a case.

First of all I tottally understand you. Its better to be paranoid than to not take things serious. I also have known of several people who thought they had a flu and then died. Man that freaks me out. I say if you even have the slightest doubt go to the emergency room. Call your doctor, there is nothing like peace of mind, and its always better to be safe than sorry. I am sure you guys are ok, but if I were you I would call the doc.

If you are truly freaked out, take your kid to the doctor for a chest x-ray. Bloody mucus can just be throat irritation from all the coughing. Blue lips, difficulty catching their breath, and rib/lung pain = pneumonia.

I'm with you - it's nothing to play with, but the flu doesn't turn into pneumonia over night.

Be aware that there are some anti virals that can seriously cut the duration of your flu, too - ask the doc about them while the baby is getting a chest x-ray.

Next year, get the shot for everyone. It doesn't prevent it 100%, but it also seriously decreases the symptoms if you're exposed to one of the causes in the shot.

S.

M.,
I think the bloody mucus that is coming from her nose is just that, blood from her nose. When we have a lot of snot and the mucus membranes are irritated, the little capallaries in the nose are fragil and you can get some bleeding. The humidity has been very low lately, my nose has been bleeding too. I don't think its pneumonia at all. However if she does start having breathing problems, increased respiratory rate, retractions, nasal flaring etc, get her checked out right away. Give her plenty of fluids and try to get some rest. Sounds like the whole family has it. Hope everyone feels better very soon.