• Encourage frequent, thorough handwashing. Flu viruses survive on common surfaces, and can be transmitted by touch. Keeping surfaces clean where children gather can help as well.
• Teach your kids to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue to protect others.
• Keep your kids home if they are sick. This is not only flu season, but the season for colds and common respiratory illnesses as well.
• Get your children and yourself a flu shot. It’s the best available protection against flu, reducing the risk of illness, and making illness less severe if you do get sick.

If your child shows symptoms that may be flu, especially a high fever and body aches, see a doctor. If antiviral medications are prescribed, make sure they are taken. These can make illness milder, and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications, especially if you take them as soon as possible after symptoms appear.