Has the flu snuck its way into your home? If it has, we feel for you! Having a sick family while being sick yourself can be one of the harder moments as a parent. While influenza can make you and your family feel sick for a few days, there is hope for a full recovery on the horizon.

Since influenza is a viral illness, most cases just require time and patience until you overcome the infection. Check out our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team’s latest blog regarding the flu below to learn more!

How Did My Family Contract the Flu?

Even if you did your part in getting your flu shot and encouraging proper handwashing, influenza is everywhere. You could have brought it home from work or the grocery store, or your kids could have come into contact with it at school or the bus! In any case, if you become exposed somehow and your body cannot fight it off at the start, you can expect symptoms to appear in a few days.

While the flu can start out with mild symptoms like any other illness, keep a close eye on your child’s symptoms. What starts out as a mild cough or runny nose could turn into a fever with sweats, chills or body aches pretty quickly. Try to avoid getting sick yourself by keeping your distance when possible and washing your hands often! Though we know that is hard to do when your little one probably just wants to stay close to you.

Common Childhood Influenza Symptoms

• Fever
• Runny nose/congestion
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Muscle or body aches

What Can I Do to Help My Kids Feel Better With the Flu?

Since the flu is viral in nature, the most common way to treat any symptoms is to encourage rest, provide fluids and offer OTC medication to treat any particularly unpleasant symptoms. While this period of time may not be the best time for your family, there is hope!

Most people’s flu symptoms tend to resolve or improve within a week or so. While you are waiting, take this time to rest and get plenty of sleep. If any of your children’s symptoms fail to improve after a week or get worse at this time, come see us for a further evaluation.

Caregiver Tips for the Flu

• Offer plenty of fluids like water or broth.
• Avoid serving hard-to-digest foods like heavy grains or greasy foods.
• Suggest pain relievers for a sore throat or body aches.
• Try a saline nasal spray for nasal congestion.

If you are wondering if your recent illness is the flu, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road for a rapid test.