The Flu: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Kids Healthy

What is the Flu?

• The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the lungs, nose and throat
• Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes, can lead to death
• Each year in the United States:
  • 5-20 percent of Americans fall ill to the flu
  • Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and they frequently spread the virus to others
• Young children are at the greatest risk for developing serious flu complications, as well as the elderly and those with certain health conditions

How Does Flu Spread?

• There are two ways to get the flu. Usually flu is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Occasionally, people can get the flu from touching a germ-infested surface

What are the Common Symptoms of Flu?

Often we get confused about the symptoms of the flu and how they are different from a common cold. Knowing the symptoms of the flu is important and will help you act quickly to get your child feeling better faster

• Common symptoms of flu include: high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, exhaustion and dry cough
  • Children often have additional flu symptoms that are rare in adults, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Symptoms of a common cold include: stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and hacking cough

Simple Steps for Keeping Your Child Healthy 

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent your child from getting the flu is to take him/her to get a flu vaccine
• You should talk to your child about practicing good health habits, such as:
  • Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and disposing of the tissue in a proper trash receptacle
  • Avoiding sharing drinks, water bottles or silverware with others
• You can help prevent the flu from spreading at home by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, toys and other commonly shared items
• Also, if someone in your household gets the flu, a doctor can prescribe a medication – called an antiviral – that can actually prevent other members of the household from catching the flu
  • Studies show that some antiviral medications are up to 89 percent effective in preventing the flu when taken once daily for seven days

Don't Take the Flu Lying Down 

• If you are concerned about your child’s flu symptoms, call your doctor early. Call your doctor immediately if your child has a chronic disease. Some children may benefit from an antiviral medication, which can be prescribed by a physician and can help lessen the duration of the virus and reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia
  • To be effective, antiviral medication should be taken within 12-48 hours after flu symptoms begin
• If your child has the flu, it is important for them to stay home from school, rest, and drink plenty of fluids
• Additionally, notify the school nurse [Insert Name and Number] if your child has the flu. Monitoring flu incidence at [Insert Name of School] will help keep students, faculty and our community health