Parent Guide: Flu (Influenza)

Influenza or flu is caused by a virus. Adults with the flu can spread the virus to others for 3-5 days after symptoms begin. Children with the flu can spread the virus to others for up to 7 days. The "flu season" usually starts in November or December and ends in April or May. Occasionally the flu might lead to pneumonia.

Prevention:

• Get a flu vaccination.
• Wash your hands, especially after you are with someone who is sick. Teach your child about handwashing.
• Teach your child to cough into a tissue. Throw away used tissues promptly.

Symptoms:

• Fever / chills
• Headache
• Feeling tired / body aches
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough / sneezing

Treatment:

• Offer plenty of fluids such as water or juice. Warm clear fluids such as soup will help the nose to drain and will relax the airways.
• Allow your child to get plenty of rest. Keep your child at home for the first few days of illness to rest and to prevent spread to others.
• Give acetaminophen for fever, headache and body aches (see "Fever").

See your doctor if. . .

• Fever lasts more than 3 days.
• Child has a fever plus a rash.
• Child is coughing up green or yellow discharge for more than 10 days.

Go to the emergency department if your child has any of the following symptoms: Trouble breathing not caused by a stuffy nose Blue lips Limp or unable to move Hard to wake up, unusually quiet or unresponsive Stiff neck Seems confused Seizure