Flu season is knocking, and pediatricians' first advice is always the same: get the flu shot. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for children 6 months and older. "The flu vaccine provides the best chance at preventing the more serious complications of the flu," said Dr. Kara Starnes, medical director of Urgent Care at Cook Children's. "While a flu vaccine may not always completely prevent the flu, it typically makes the illness much less severe and of a shorter duration."
Not vaccinated yet this year, or your child already had the flu? Doctors say it's still not too late. Beyond vaccines, sleep is an underrated immunity builder: school-aged kids need about nine to 12 hours a night, and a consistent bedtime routine beats scrolling before sleep.
Dr. Scott Braunstein, chief medical officer at Sollis Health, suggests assembling supplies before flu season starts: a thermometer, tissues, hand sanitizer, age-appropriate fever and pain relievers, and fluids or electrolyte drinks. "If someone does get sick, having those essentials on hand makes it easier to manage symptoms, monitor for changes, and avoid unnecessary trips out while contagious."
He also recommends adding flu test kits to the kit and getting familiar with school, daycare and workplace sick-leave policies ahead of time. "Planning ahead makes it easier to limit exposure to others and get appropriate care quickly if symptoms become concerning."
It's the oldest advice because it works best: wash with soap for about 20 seconds (sing a short song to time it), focusing on key moments — before meals, after the bathroom, and when kids get home from school. When out, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good backup. Pediatric guidance cited by HealthDay adds: keep hands away from the face — eyes, nose and mouth.
Teach cough and sneeze etiquette early: use a tissue and throw it away; without one, cough into the elbow, not the hands. Young children are the number-one couriers of respiratory viruses, ferrying them home from school and daycare — breaking the chain starts with these small habits.
Braunstein suggests designating a rest area where a sick family member can stay apart from others, and not sharing personal items like towels or drinking glasses. At the first sign of fever, cough or fatigue, stay home — it aids recovery and stops spread.
For high-risk people (adults 65 and older, children with underlying conditions), prescription antivirals work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms. Don't wait.
Cook Children's lists danger signs every parent should save: respiratory distress — bluish color around the mouth, lips or fingernails; pale or grayish skin; chest sinking in with each breath; nose flaring; head bobbing while breathing; change in alertness. Dehydration — significantly less urine than normal (less than once every 8 hours); no tears when crying with sunken eyes; a sunken soft spot on an infant's head; sleepy and unresponsive.
Any of these means an urgent-care or emergency department visit — don't burn time on online forums. Reserving urgent care for truly urgent needs shortens waits for everyone.
Flu season comes every year, and every year it catches people off guard. One practical note: most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) offer walk-in flu shots with no appointment needed. Half an hour this weekend to vaccinate the whole family beats stockpiling any folk remedy.