FORESTBURG ISD

You Can Help STOP the SPREAD of Influenza

Flu Prevention 

Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. It is one of the most severe and common viral illnesses of the winter season.

A flu virus is often passed from child to child through sneezing or coughing. The virus can live for a short time on surfaces, including doorknobs, toys, pens or pencils, keyboards, phones and tablets, and countertops. 

People with the flu are most contagious:

 24 hours before symptoms start and while symptoms are most active.

The risk of infecting others usually stops around day 7 of the illness. 

What are the symptoms of the flu in a child?

• Fever, which may be as high as 103°F to 105°F 
• Body Aches, which may be severe.
• Headache
• Sore Throat                    
• Cough that get worse.
• Tiredness
• Runny or Stuffy Nose​

In some cases, your child may also have symptoms such as:

• Nausea                  

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

​

“Is it a cold or is it the flu?”

It’s important to note that a cold and the flu have different symptoms:

A cold is usually mild and often goes away after a few days. The flu can cause severe symptoms and lead to problems such as pneumonia and even death. The symptoms of the flu can be like other health conditions.

Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Treating the Flu

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the

condition is. The goal of treatment is to help prevent or ease symptoms.

Treatment may include medicines such as:

• Acetaminophen. This is to help lessen body aches and fever. Don't give aspirin to a child with a fever.

• Cough medicine. This may be prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider.

• Antiviral medicine. This may help to ease symptoms, and shorten the length of illness. This medicine does not cure the flu. The medicine must be started within 2 days after symptoms begin.​

​Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

For more information on how you can protect yourself and your family against the flu virus visit the Center for Disease Control website.