Flu Prevention Resources

Influenza, also called flu, is a contagious viral infection of the nose and throat. Flu can spread easily through coughing and sneezing. Flu can cause secondary complications such sinus and ear infections and pneumonia or make chronic medical conditions like asthma worse. (CDC, 2016b)  The flu is a serious disease; much more dangerous than the common cold for children.

Prevention

• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues in the trash.
• Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth. Your child may need help with handwashing.
• Do not share anything that goes into the mouth, such as drinking cups, straws, and water bottles.
• Clean and disinfect anything that comes in contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Use a product that kills germs.
• Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone older than six months of age. Ask your health care provider about flu vaccine.

Symptoms

• Your child may have chills, body aches, fever, and headache. Your child may also have a cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat. Illness may last up to 7 days.
• If your child has been infected, it may take 1 to 4 days (usually 2 days) for symptoms to start.

Spread

• By coughing or sneezing.
• By touching contaminated hands, objects, or surfaces.

Contagious period

• During the 24 hours before and up to 7 days after the illness begins.

Call your health care provider

• If anyone in your home has a high fever and a coughs.
• Antibiotics do not work for illnesses caused by a virus, including influenza.
• Do not give aspirin or salicylate-containing medicines to anyone under 18 years of age.

For more information, call Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County Epidemiology at (772) 462-3883 or call your local health department.

• Parent Letter [English] –  [Spanish]
• CDC Guide for Parents
• Everyday Preventative Actions