Keeping kids safe this flu season

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) — Millions of people catch the flu each year, and the youngest members of the family are the ones most likely to bring it home.

Children are back in school, and Fall is right around the corner, meaning the number of flu cases is rising.

The Centers for Disease Control show that nearly 2% of doctor visits last year were for respiratory illnesses like the flu. That number is expected to grow over the next few weeks.

“Anytime you have a changing of the seasons and the weather gets cooler, that’s going to be when we need to think about cold and flu season,” said Dr. Sarah Waling, a physician with Crestwood Medical Center.

Waling said you can identify the flu by several common symptoms, such as congestion, coughing and fever. Most children will recover from the flu without a visit to the doctor, but Waling said some symptoms should raise red flags.

“If they’re so tired that they don’t want to move around, that’s another concerning sign or symptom,” Waling said. “Having fevers so high that they’re not able to think straight or do things that would help keep their body healthy, like drinking or swallowing or breathing normally, those are going to be the symptoms or warning signs that are going to bring you to a doctor or emergency room.”

Children under five are more likely to experience severe, even deadly, complications from the flu. If you have concerns about a sick child, talk to your doctor.

You can also take steps to protect your family this flu season.

“A lot of cold and flu viruses are spread by droplets of spit of mucus that can sit on surfaces for long periods of time,” Waling said.

Waling said one of the best preventative measures families can take is also the simplest. Whether they have been at school, daycare, or just playing outside, make sure kids are washing their hands when they walk in the door. Parents can follow the same advice.

“You want to make sure you’re washing your hands before and after you eat and before and after you feed your child,” Waling said. “If the baby is breastfeeding, bottle feeding or doing baby foods, you want to make sure you have good hand hygiene.”

Most major pharmacies across the Tennessee Valley have flu shots in stock.

“It might not protect them from getting the flu, but it could keep them from having to be in the hospital with the flu,” Waling said.

Waling said the vaccine is safe and effective for children six months and older.

You can schedule a flu shot appointment today through your local CVS , Walgreens or Walmart . Additional locations can be found by clicking here .

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