The Flu Season, which is mostly from November to April, is a time of the year which all parents hope to avoid. They have to be particularly cautious, especially of their children’s actions in fear that they may catch the sometimes deadly influenza, or ‘flu’ as known commonly. This common illness which affects kids more often than adults is caused by a virus which spreads quickly from an infected person to others by coughing and sneezing and may affect a large portion of the population at once. It is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, windpipe, and airways in the lung.

Signs and Symptoms
Parents know their children better than anyone else. So if your child does not look well or seems sick all of a sudden (especially during the flu season), you should be aware that it might be an indication of flu. The symptoms won’t be as of a usual common cold but more severe. Typical symptoms include chills, fever, headaches, body aches, sore throats, cough, swollen glands, vomiting and diarrhea. The child may also have a runny nose, ear-ache, red, watery, sore eyes, loss of appetite, tiredness and weakness. These symptoms are more likely during the first one or two days in which the flu is at its worst. However when the worst is over and the child is slowly recovering from the flu, he/she may have fatigue and coughing for a week or more.

Prevention is better than Cure
It is wise for all the parents to practice the old proverb; Prevention is better than Cure! Thereby parents need not have constant fear during the flu season that their children may catch the flu. However no one can predict whether a child will catch the flu and if so when. Still, taking precautions is a way of reducing the risk of getting influenza. All parents should be conscious of the fact that influenza is not just a temporary normal illness, but is more serious than normal colds and may even risk their child’s life.

These are some of the preventive measures that all the parents can follow at all times, especially during the flu season.

- The most important thing that parents should do during the flu season is to take their children to get a flu shot. It is better to get the flu shot for your child just before the flu season is in its full force. Hence the child’s body will get time to build up protection against the virus. This is one of the best ways that parents can protect their children from catching the deadly influenza.
- Teaching your children the importance of hygiene is vital at all times, not only during the flu season. Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently and training your children to do the same is very important. Also teach them to keep their hands out of their noses, eyes and mouth as germs spread easily this way. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and throw it away immediately afterwards. Never touch a used tissue! And make your children follow these same examples.
- Help boost your child’s immune system by increasing nutritional diets and more physical activities in your child’s daily activities. Water is both prevention and a cure to many health problems. So make children drink plenty of it! Make kids rest well and do not let their lives be stressful. Also take advice from a doctor on additional vitamins that can be taken by your child. Always have the confidence that your child is fit and healthy so that their bodies will fight against sicknesses such as flu and have a speedy recovery if they catch it.
- Protecting their children in every possible way is the top priority of almost all the parents. Likewise, not only for the reason of avoiding sickness but for the safety of the kids too, they should be kept away from crowded environments whenever possible. And don’t let your children be around people who are sick as children have a tendency to catch viruses more often than adults. Cups and eating utensils should not be shared during outbreaks of flu and not with someone who has got it. Stay home from work or school in case you or your children are sick with the flu. Don’t let it spread more than it has already. The more healthy and hygienic the area you live in, the better it is for you and your kids to stay well.
- Make your home a safe and clean place for your kids to be. Good ventilation is always important. Allow fresh air to circulate in your home by opening the windows often during flu season. Do not let your home be a place where your own kid’s health gets deteriorated!

Cure
Since taking antibiotic medicine for flu does not work most of the times, it can be said that there is no direct cure for this contagious viral infection. Taking the preventive measures is the best way that you can keep your child away from flu. However, with rest and plenty of liquid intakes your child will be cured gradually. Therefore, tender care and affection towards your child during sickness and health is the best cure.

If your child shows unusual signs of getting worse, it is time to seek a doctors help. A high temperature, chest pains, difficulty of breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, seizures etc are some signs that your child may be getting worse. In such cases do not wait on assumptions and risk your child’s life. Consult a doctor immediately!