Most side effects are mild and go away after 1-2 days. If your 5-year old develops hives after a flu vaccine, you can do the following: 1. Apply a cool, wet cloth or wrapped ice pack over the area. Also a cool shower or bath help. 2. Antihistamines. If the hives (rash) are not accompanied by other symptoms, you can give a dose of Children's Benadryl every four to six hour until the hives subside. 3. If there is pain, give medicine to help make them feel comfortable (Children's Tylenol or Children's Advil). Although serious side effects are rare, if they do it is important to act. Most cases of hives (rashes) are not serious, and your child should start to look less blotchy and feel less itchy within a few hours to a few days. Of course, if you have any concerns, its a good idea to call your childs doctor. Please seek medical attention if your child has the following symptoms besides the hives. 1. Signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (for example, hives that cover a large area of the body, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips). 2. Any other worrisome signs or symptoms (for example, dehydration, not eating or drinking, severe vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, paleness, difficulty waking, or crying non-stop for a long time or longer than usual).