Keeping Kids Well During Cold & Flu Season

About the flu:

Influenza, commonly known as "the flu", is a contagious viral infection that affects all age groups, though kids tend to get it more often than adults. Flu season is from October to May, with most cases presenting between December and March. The flu is often confused with the common cold, but flu symptoms tend to be more severe.
Prevention:

The flu virus is spread by infected droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air. People who have the flu are contagious from a day before they feel sick until their symptoms have ended. To prevent the flu from spreading, remember to wash your hands, stay home from school or work if you think you have the flu, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. However, the best way to prevent the flu is getting the flu vaccine.
Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, instead of the previous recommendation of only high-risk groups. It can take 2 weeks for the body to build up full protection after the shot, so it is best to be vaccinated as early in the season as possible.
Treatment:

Special treatment is not usually required for cases of the flu. A few at-home tips to help otherwise healthy children deal with the flu include:

Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Get plenty of rest.
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches (never give a child aspirin).
Wear layers to make hot and cold flashes easier to handle. Children who have the flu should stay home until they are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
Is it a cold or the flu?

Answering these questions can help determine whether your child has a cold or the flu:

Flu vs. Colds: A Guide to Symptoms

Questions

Flu

Cold

Was the onset of illness ...

sudden?

slow?

Does your child have a ...

high fever?

no (or mild) fever?

Is your child's exhaustion level ...

severe?

mild?

Is your child's head ...

achy?

headache-free?

Is your child's appetite ...

decreased?

normal?

Are your child's muscles ...

achy?

fine?

Does your child have ...

chills?

no chills?

If most of your answers fell in the first column, your child could have the flu. Symptoms can vary from child to child, so if you suspect the flu, contact your doctor.

For more information on this, or other health and safety related topics, please visit our website at www.childrensal.org.