Flu Information

Flu Season is going on now!

This year, it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine and to get it early in the fall.

Don't wait until it is too late!

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, with symptoms lasting for about a week. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year! Click here to find a location to receive a flu vaccination.

Symptoms

What to do if your child gets the flu?

  • Speak with your child's physician to determine if antiviral medication is necessary

  • Provide your child plenty of fluids to drink. Choose water, juice, popsicles and warm soups to prevent dehydration

  • Encourage your child get more sleep to help their immune system fight infection

  • Consider pain relievers

      • Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to combat the achiness associated with influenza

  • Take everyday precautions to protect others while sick

      • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them

      • Teaching and encouraging your child to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

      • Have your child wash their hands often with soap and water

      • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

  • Keep your child home until they are better

      • CDC recommends that one should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine