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

Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Influenza Information

Illinois Department of Public Health: Influenza (Flu)