What do you do if your child is one of them? What are the symptoms of the flu? How long should your child stay out of school? Here is everything you need to know about helping your child feel better while keeping everyone else safe. 

How the Flu is Spread

Knowing how the flu is spread enables you to make informed decisions concerning your child’s health and well-being. 

The flu is spread from person to person just like most other viruses.

When close to someone who has the flu, such as while in a classroom, small droplets that come from sneezing, coughing, or even talking can make their way into the air. They can then be inhaled through the mouth or nose and into the body. Of course, these droplets can also land on surfaces where others pick them up.

It is incredibly easy for the flu to be passed from one person to the next. 

When Are Kids With the Flu Contagious? 

Generally, children are most contagious within the first 3 to 4 days of having the flu. It isn’t uncommon, however, for it to spread the day before showing symptoms — and up to 10 days after.

Being around anyone during this time can put them at risk. 

The onset of the virus for those who become infected can start anytime within about 4 days of contracting it. For many, these symptoms will first show up 1 to 3 days after contact. 

Symptoms of the Flu

There is a common misconception when it comes to the flu. Many assume that it is a stomach illness, but it mostly impacts the throat, nose, and sometimes the lungs, too. A few common symptoms to look out for are: 

• A fever of 100°F and higher
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Chills
• Headache
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting

Many kids may not want to eat and may act irritable when feeling these symptoms. 

Treating the Flu

For most viral infections, such as the flu, much of the focus is on treating the symptoms. In other words, taking over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce flu and manage body aches, as well as staying hydrated are often recommended. 

Often, this is all that is needed and your child will begin to feel better. 

If there are any underlying conditions, the fever persists, or the symptoms don’t seem to be getting better, it is always a good idea to contact your pediatrician. There are prescription medications that may be suitable depending on the situation.

Getting the Flu Vaccine

One way to treat the flu before it happens is to get your child vaccinated. This will reduce their likelihood of getting the illness when they come in contact with someone who is carrying it. If given promptly (highly recommended in the fall of each year), they can be highly effective. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone over the age of 6 months.

When Can My Child Go Back to School?

If your child has the flu or is showing signs of the flu, it is advised that they stay home from school and other activities. More specifically, they should remain home until 24 hours after their symptoms begin to subside, primarily a fever, without the help of any fever-reducing medication. 

It is always a good idea to follow the protocol for your child’s school or daycare, too. Teach your child to wash their hands thoroughly and to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. Developing these habits early will not only reduce the spread, but it can reduce their risk, too. 

Learn More About the Flu

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of the flu or you have concerns about their health, the pediatricians at Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group can answer any questions you may have and evaluate your child for treatment. 

Also, please call us to schedule your child’s flu vaccine.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient office locations: 

Mullica Hill: 856-294-5600

Haddon Heights: 856-547-7300