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How to Protect Your Child from the Flu

Children, especially those under five years old, are particularly vulnerable to flu viruses. Their immune systems are still developing, making it harder for them to fight off infections.  That’s why protecting your child from the flu through education and flu prevention strategies is one of the most important steps you can take as a caregiver.

Below, we share a few tips on how to protect your child from the flu this flu season.

Start with the Flu Vaccine

The single most effective way to protect your child from the flu is by getting them vaccinated. The pediatric flu vaccine is updated each year to combat the most common strains circulating that flu season. While it’s not a 100% guarantee against infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Pediatric flu cases can escalate quickly, sometimes leading to hospitalizations due to complications like pneumonia or dehydration. Additionally, young children are more likely to spread the virus to others because they may not practice consistent hand hygiene or cover their coughs and sneezes effectively.

Many parents worry about vaccine safety, but the flu vaccine has been studied extensively since its creation in 1945. Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical professionals recommended its use for all children over six months. It is safe, effective, and widely available through pediatricians, local health clinics, and pharmacies. Getting it early in flu season is ideal since it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to build immunity in the body.

Practicing Flu Safety at Home

In addition to the flu vaccine, there are several practical steps you can take to create a safer environment for your child during flu season. 

1. Handwashing: Teach your child to wash their hands frequently, especially after sneezing, coughing, or playing with shared toys. Hand hygiene is a powerful flu prevention tactic that helps reduce the risk of transferring germs to the nose or mouth.
2. Covering Coughs and Sneezes: Encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, then dispose of the tissue immediately. If a tissue isn’t available, coughing or sneezing into the elbow is a good alternative to keep germs from spreading.
3. Keep Your Home Clean: Flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Wipe down high-touch areas such as doorknobs, countertops, toys, and electronics with disinfectant. Regular cleaning is a simple but effective way to add an extra layer of protection.
4. Healthy Diet and Hydration: A well-balanced diet helps support the immune system. Try to get your child to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Hydration is also key as it helps the body recover more quickly from infections.
5. Rest and Sleep: Children need adequate rest to maintain a healthy immune system. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep each night, as sleep deprivation can lower the body’s defenses against illness.

Know the Signs of Flu in Children

Flu symptoms in kids can appear suddenly, often starting with a high fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. Some children may also experience a sore throat, cough, or runny nose. In more severe cases, the flu can lead to shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which is a sign that you should seek medical attention immediately.

Knowing the difference between the common cold and the flu can be difficult since the symptoms overlap. However, the flu tends to come on faster and hit harder than a cold. If your child has any preexisting health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, it’s especially important to monitor their symptoms closely, as they’re at higher risk for complications.

Keeping Your Child Home During Illness

If your child does contract the flu, keeping them home from school or daycare is the best course of action for child flu safety. Not only does this help them recover but it also prevents them from spreading the virus to other kids. The CDC recommends that children with the flu stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever has gone without the use of fever-reducing medications. During this time, make sure they are resting and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

When to Call the Doctor

In some cases, flu symptoms can worsen, especially in young children. If your child shows any of the following signs, contact your pediatrician:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Severe dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying)
• Persistent high fever
• Bluish skin color
• Irritability or being unresponsive

In some situations, antiviral medications may be prescribed to lessen the severity and duration of the flu, especially if your child is seen within 48 hours of symptom onset. These medications can make a big difference in how your child feels and how quickly they recover.

Keep the Flu at Bay: It’s a Team Effort

Protecting your child from the flu requires a concerted effort. Vaccinating your child, maintaining good hygiene, keeping your home clean, and making sure your child eats well and rests are all important parts of flu prevention. Doing these can help you significantly reduce your child’s risk of getting sick.

There’s no better time than right now to schedule your child’s flu shot. Reach out to your pediatrician or local clinic to book an appointment and make this flu season a safer one for your family. When we prioritize flu safety for kids, we help ensure they stay healthy, happy, and ready to enjoy all the fun that the season brings.

Learn More About Families Fighting Flu

Families Fighting Flu (FFF), a national, nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to honoring loved ones who have suffered serious medical complications or died from influenza, commemorates 20 years of advocacy protecting children, families, and all communities from the flu. Our 20th anniversary is a testament to our dedication and enduring efforts to protect families. It is also a sobering reminder that we are not done yet.

In sharing personal stories, FFF strives to increase awareness about the seriousness of the flu, reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths each year, drive up vaccination rates for everyone six months and older, and encourage symptomatic individuals to get tested and receive appropriate treatment. Learn more about our mission and resources here so that you can empower your family to stay healthy this flu season.

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