Flu

The flu and the common cold have similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Your health care provider can give you a test within the first few days of your child's illness to determine whether or not your child has the flu.

Flu symptoms include:

• A 100^oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
• A cough and/or sore throat
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

If your child has these symptoms, contact the doctor.

Prevention

*Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.

There are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

*If your child has a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, or you suspect they may have the flu they should stay home until they are symptom free for 24 hours.

For more information, please refer to www.flu.gov

For the Hamilton Flu Immunizatin Clinics refer to Hamilton Flu Clinics