Precautions for Flu Season

This month marks the typical start of cold and flu season. Although the timing and duration of flu season vary somewhat from year to year, the spread of the virus typically ramps up in October before reaching peak levels during the winter. The contagious respiratory virus usually spreads from tiny droplets when people talk, cough, or sneeze. It can also be transmitted when people touch their mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with objects or surfaces that have the virus on them. Getting sick with the flu can cause children to miss multiple days of school. However, it is important for kids to stay home from school if they are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others. 

Flu symptoms may appear between one and four days after exposure to the virus. The virus can be contagious before symptoms appear, and it may spread for up to seven days after illness starts. Young children and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for a longer length of time. However, influenza is most contagious three to four days after a person becomes sick. Symptomatic infections are most prevalent among kids, and children younger than five years old have an elevated risk of developing serious complications from the virus. 

Mild flu symptoms typically include a cough, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose. Sufferers can also experience headaches, body aches, and fatigue. The flu often causes a fever, although this symptom is not always present. Symptoms affecting the stomach and digestive system are more common for kids than adults. If you or your child are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is advisable to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Since influenza symptoms are similar to other viral or bacterial respiratory illnesses, a doctor will perform testing before making a diagnosis. A doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat illnesses from the flu.

Schools have various procedures for absences, which are usually described in the handbook or on a website. Parents typically need to call and report that their child will be absent each day. When children have to stay home from school due to illness, they miss out on lessons with their teachers and other classroom activities. Teachers usually provide work to be completed at home while a child is sick. Although kids may be able to work on their assignments at home while they are sick, missing in-person instruction can make it more challenging. Some schools offer online lessons and activities for kids who are unable to attend classes, but parents may need to pick up books and other materials from the school. 

There are a number of things that parents and kids can do to stay healthy throughout flu season. The CDC advises that the most important step in preventing illness from the flu is to get vaccinated each year. It is recommended that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza. Vaccination reduces the likelihood of illness and lowers the risk of serious complications. The best time to get immunized for the flu is before the end of October. Immunity from the vaccine lasts about six months, so a shot received in October protects for the duration of the season. 

Additional official preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs and protect against the flu include:

1 Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

2 Stay home from school, work, and errands when sick.

3 Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 

4 Wash your hands often to help protect from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5 Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 

6 Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. 

7 Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.