Protect Your Child from the Flu

You likely know that each winter, children all over the country get “the flu.” But do you know what the flu really is? It’s not the same as a cold or stomach bug. The flu (influenza) is caused by a virus that’s easy to spread, especially among kids in school or daycare. And a child’s immune system is not as well developed as an adult’s. This means the flu can make children very sick.

Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms tend to come on quickly. Fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle aches are symptoms of the flu. Children may have upset stomach and vomiting (but adults usually don’t). Some symptoms, such as fatigue and cough, can last a few weeks.

To Protect Your Child

Here’s how you can help your child stay healthy:

• Get your child a flu shot each autumn. This is your child’s best chance to avoid the flu.

• Help your child wash his or her hands often. Also teach your child how to cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw the tissue away.

• Take good care of a child with the flu. If you don’t, the infection could get worse. Your child could also spread flu germs to others.

If Your Child Gets Sick

• Give the child plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration, such as an electrolyte solution, water, juice, and soup.

• Make sure the child gets plenty of rest

• Keep the child at home to prevent the spread of germs. Do so until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone (without being reduced by medications such as ibuprofen).

• Use “children’s strength” medication for symptoms. Discuss over-the-counter products with the doctor before using them.

• Ask your child’s doctor about antiviral medication. This may help your child get well sooner.

• Never give a child under age 18 aspirin for the flu! (It could cause a serious complication.)