Flu season is here, and if your family hasn’t been hit yet, chances are you know someone who has! This year’s flu strain is causing the usual fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches—but for young kids, especially those under five, the flu can sometimes take a more serious turn. So, what can you do? Here’s a breakdown of how to care for your child at home, what treatments are available, and when to call your pediatrician. Flu Symptoms to Watch For Flu symptoms often come on quickly and may include: ✔️ Fever (often high) ✔️ Chills and body aches ✔️ Sore throat and cough ✔️ Runny or stuffy nose ✔️ Fatigue ✔️ Headache ✔️ Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in kids than adults) Home Care: Helping Your Child Feel Better Most kids with the flu can recover at home with these simple steps: 🛏 Rest – Encourage plenty of sleep to help their immune system fight the virus. 💧 Hydration – Offer small, frequent sips of water, electrolyte drinks, or warm broths to prevent dehydration. 🌡 Fever & Pain Relief – Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can help with fever and body aches (ask us if you're unsure about dosing). Never give aspirin to children—it’s linked to Reye’s syndrome. 🍲 Gentle Nutrition – Offer easy-to-digest foods like toast, applesauce, or soup if they’re up for it. Treatment Options: Do You Need Tamiflu? For certain kids—especially those under 2, with asthma, or other high-risk conditions—antiviral medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) may be recommended. These work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms and can help shorten the illness. However, most healthy kids recover with home care alone. When to Call the Doctor 🚨 Seek medical attention if your child: Is under 3 months old and has a fever Has difficulty breathing (fast breathing, ribs pulling in, or wheezing) Shows signs of dehydration (dry lips, no tears, fewer wet diapers) Has a persistent fever (lasting more than 3-4 days) Is extremely irritable or hard to wake up Symptoms seem to improve, then suddenly worsen For high-risk kids—like infants, those with asthma, heart disease, or weakened immune systems—call us at the first sign of flu symptoms. Flu Prevention: It’s Not Too Late for a Flu Shot! The best way to protect your family is with the annual flu vaccine. If your child hasn’t had theirs yet, it’s not too late! The flu shot helps prevent severe illness and hospitalizations, especially in young kids. If you have any concerns or your child is struggling with flu symptoms, give our office a call. We’re here to help!