When adults get hit with the flu, there's no mistaking it. You're feverish, your head feels stuffed up, and you ache everywhere. But with kids, the signs aren't always as easy to detect. Young children with the flu can run the whole gamut of symptoms," says Dr. Martha Snyder, a pediatrician and assistant professor of pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine."Some children have the mildest of mild symptoms, while for others, symptoms are very severe.”

Below is your guide to spotting flu symptoms no matter what your child's age, and ways to bring relief.

Infants Under Six Months
Babies in the first six months of life are at the greatest risk of complications from the flu, says Snyder, because their immune system is not fully mature yet and their very small airway makes it easy for them to experience respiratory distress.

If your infant has a fever, call your doctor and watch for other signs of illness, such as dehydration. "When babies this age don't feel good, they usually don't want to drink," she adds. Provide plenty of water to keep an infant hydrated.

 

Children Six Months to 2 Years
Kids under the age of 2 who come down with the flu often have respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, sneezing), high fevers (sometimes as high as 104 F), diarrhea and vomiting."But while many kids have all of these symptoms, others may only have one," says Snyder.

Recognizing the early signs in toddlers is especially important, she says, because they can also get dangerously dehydrated very quickly. In addition, because of their smaller airways, babies can quickly progress to having wheezing and labored breath, which requires medication. Signs that a child's breathing is compromised include wheezing, fast breathing or shortness of breath, and nose flaring.

Children 2 to 4 Years
A child who can't talk yet (or can't talk well) obviously can't tell you that his body aches all over, so you need to be alert for behavioral changes, says Snyder. For instance, in many cases, children with the flu will have shaking chills and refuse to walk, because their legs are very achy.

With kids under the age of 4, you really have to watch them to see how they're acting. Respond to anything that seems out of the ordinary," adds Snyder. "Young kids often have a limp look to them. Or they're so uncomfortable they just want to be held."

Children 4 to 6
Once kids can tell you how they feel, listen for complaints similar to an adult's. But be aware that if your child is under the age of 6, oral over-the-counter cold and flu medications are not recommended. "You should never give children this age decongestants, cough suppressants and other OTC cold remedies, because of the side effects," says Snyder.

But there are other things you can do. "It's OK to give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or pain reduction," adds Snyder. It's also safe to apply topical soothers to help relieve symptoms. And some children don't mind saline nasal sprays for stuffy noses but be careful not to use them too often (more than six times a day), since overuse can cause swelling of a child's nasal passages.

Other beneficial non-drug treatments for colds and flu include chamomile tea with honey, and a cool mist humidifier. Just be sure to use one that has a humidity gauge and to keep the level at no higher than around 50 percent to avoid a mold problem.

Children Over 6
For children over the age of 6, symptoms are essentially the same as adults'. And at this point, OTC decongestants and cough suppressants are generally safe, although they're not recommended for children with certain health conditions. For instance, if your child is taking medication for ADHD, ask your doctor before giving your kid a decongestant, since the combination of the two drugs has been shown to cause heart problems.

In addition, kids with asthma or any kind of respiratory problem should stay away from cough suppressants, says Snyder, because these products may make it harder for them to clear secretions from their lungs, which can lead to pneumonia.

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It's no secret: Winter air wages war on your health. That's because cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating cooks it dry.

And if you're like most people, you've carefully sealed your home against potential drafts and air leaks. Such contained air will turn stale and increase the spread of germs due to the lack of circulation in the home, says Laureen Burton, a chemist and toxicologist with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Indoor Environments Division.

As a result, indoor air quality plummets, and you -- and your family -- suffer from such seasonal ailments as flaky and itchy skin, chapped lips, sinus infections, sore throats, colds, flu and other respiratory diseases.

But you can fight back by getting control of indoor pollutants, improving your home's overall ventilation, maintaining its heating system and controlling the relative humidity indoors. Here are some easy ways to keep indoor air clean and healthy this winter:

1. Vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Dust or pet dander assault your home's indoor air on a daily basis but can be particularly problematic for your health when you're cooped up inside all winter. Frequent cleaning is your best defense against these insidious pollutants. Vacuum floors and upholstered furniture often (at least once a week and more if you have pets) using a machine equipped with a HEPA filter, which helps trap the tiny dust, pet dander and dust mite particles.

2. Clean surfaces and wash linens.
Wipe down other furnishings (tabletops, picture frames, etc.) at least twice a week. Wash all bedding, including blankets and duvets, weekly with a quality detergent. Encase mattresses and box springs in hypoallergenic covers, which are typically made of wool, sheepskin or cotton and are designed to minimize the possibility of an allergic response.

3. Vent properly.
Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when you're showering or cooking. And invite fresh air in. Crack windows. Or install a relatively inexpensive in-window air exchange system (about $70), which pulls in filtered outside air without letting heated air escape.

Another option is a heat recovery ventilator, a whole-home solution that uses the heat in the outgoing stagnant air to warm the incoming fresh air. It's pricier (about $2,500 installed) but less obtrusive since it's usually installed in the basement.

4. Service home heating appliances.
All heating systems and devices need to be installed, serviced and operated according to the manufacturer's specifications," explains Burton. This includes whole-home heating systems, space heaters, furnaces, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

You can do some of the maintenance yourself, like changing air filters. More intricate inspections, such as monitoring pipes and duct work or cleaning out the chimney, should be left to the pros.

 5. Control humidity.
Once the air is clean, moving and warm, it's often still dry. Most people think a humidifier is the answer, but too much moisture in the air can lead to condensation, mold and rot.

For optimal indoor comfort and health, a relative humidity of 45 percent is ideal, but anywhere between 30 and 60 is the target. Get a quality hygrometer (available at hardware stores at a wide range of prices) to monitor your in-house humidity level. And use a humidifier only when conditions require it, only when the heater is on and only in rooms with open doors so excess moisture buildup doesn't occur.

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This year, when you're hosting parties and relatives during the holidays, there's an extra challenge to add to the mix: the risk of spreading cold and flu germs. While we all love to celebrate with friends, family and co-workers, it's easy for germs to crash the party.

Luckily, you can be a gracious host and keep everyone healthy, says etiquette expert Anna Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, the American author on etiquette. "It's always important to have good manners, but it's especially important during cold and flu season," she says

Post has some valuable advice for how to handle six of the season's most common germ-spreading scenarios. Follow her lead, and no one will leave your home with hurt feelings -- or the flu.

Scenario No. 1: Your friends arrive for a long weekend, and their child regularly sneezes without covering her mouth.

It's not your place to correct someone else's child, says Post. It's better to speak to the parent -- be clear and calm, as you're more likely to offend if you sound upset. Make it easy on your guests by saying, "I know we're all extra-worried about the flu this season. I'd be happy to leave a stool in the kitchen so the kids can wash their hands." Their daughter might even be excited to wash her hands like a grown-up. Finally, you could offer to teach her a clean-hands trick, but once again, make your tone gracious:"My kids love this trick of sneezing into their sleeve. May I teach it to Sara?”

Scenario No. 2: At this year's holiday potluck, people will want to shake hands when they arrive, but you don't want to encourage the spread of germs.

It's OK not to shake hands as long as you convey a warm welcome with your words and body language," says Post. She recommends tailoring the greeting to the person:

Close friends and loves ones: Give a hug.

• Acquaintances: Give a welcoming smile but keep your hands to yourself as you say, "It's so great to see you!”
• Co-workers: It's best to shake hands with colleagues. Just slip away to wash your hands once greetings are over.

Scenario No. 3: During a weeklong visit to your home, a relative comes down with a cold.

The most important thing is not to make her feel like a pariah, says Post. "She's not suddenly persona non grata just because she got sick." Tell her how sorry you are that she is feeling under the weather. She may decide to leave early, but if not, help her feel as comfortable as possible in your home. Set her up in a cozy bedroom that is quiet and away from others so she can get plenty of rest. (This also helps keep germs from spreading.) Set up a TV in the room and bring her some books to keep her occupied. Finally, go beyond asking what she needs, because she may be embarrassed to make requests, says Post. Offer to bring her some tea, draw her a hot bath, or run to the drugstore for medicine.

Scenario No. 4: You're playing games after a holiday dinner, and a friend coughs on the Wii remote and then hands it to you.

There are two appropriate responses, says Post. If the cougher isn't overly sensitive, go the direct route. Jokingly say (with a smile in your voice),"John, that's gross -- go clean that thing up!" If you're not comfortable being so blunt, try a more diplomatic approach. Simply take the remote as you say, "With the flu going around, let me just wipe this thing down.”

Scenario No. 5: You host a holiday happy hour at your home for your co-workers. One of them starts helping prepare appetizers but doesn't wash her hands before touching the food.

As hostess, it's your responsibility to speak up for the well-being of all your guests. That said, no one likes to be corrected, so it's important to speak gently. "When we're worried or stressed, we often forget that tone of voice makes all the difference. You need to be direct but also kind," says Post. Smile at your friend and nonchalantly say, "Oh, Kate, since it's cold and flu season, do you mind washing up? We just want to be extra-careful. There's some soap at the sink."

Scenario No. 6: It's two hours before your annual holiday cookie swap, and you notice the first signs of the flu. You don't want to let everyone down by canceling, but you don't want to get anyone sick either.

Call a close friend who's coming to your party and ask her to step in as hostess. You could say, "Jen, I think I'm coming down with something. I know this is a lot to ask, but everything is all ready, and I was hoping you could play hostess. I'll stay upstairs, but I want everyone to enjoy themselves.”

If you're too sick to have people in your home, ask a neighbor who is invited if she could hold the party at her house. Say, "Pam, I know this is last minute, and I'm so sorry. But I've got the flu and don't want to get anyone sick. Could we redirect to your place?" If she agrees, ask her to help you call the other guests to spread the word, and have your husband answer the door for any you can't reach. All he has to say is, "We're so sorry -- we tried to reach you. But my wife is sick, and we don't want to pass it along, so the party's next door."

If you don't have a friend who can host, then you must call your guests and cancel, says Post. "It's unfortunate to cancel last-minute, but it's better than causing your friends to get sick.”

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The average kid suffers through eight colds a year, which means that all parents become well versed in nursing a miserable, sniffling child back to health. That's why we turned to the experts -- real moms and dads like you -- for their go-to moves for easing symptoms, entertaining bored kids and staying sane during sick season. The next time your little one is under the weather, try using a few of these tips and tricks:

1. Find restful activities.
“To keep my 21-month-old son entertained when he's under the weather, I focus on activities he can do while seated, like puzzles, coloring books and stickers. We also work on little skills, like "pull off your sock' or "try to get your slipper on by yourself.' It sounds small, but it keeps him resting while he's occupied. I also let him watch TV and play with my iPhone or iPad: Since he's usually not allowed to do those things, it's a big treat." -- Brooke Lea Foster, parenting blogger (MommyMoi)

2. Serve up cold-fighting foods.
“I feed my kids meals that help boost their immune system and speed the healing process: foods rich in vitamin A (carrots and broccoli), vitamin C (pineapple, strawberries and OJ) and zinc (whole-grain cereal, lean meat and beans). Getting enough fluids is also crucial, so I encourage them to drink water and sip soup. My mom makes the best chicken soup, and she always drops off a batch when someone is sidelined with a cold.” -- Elisa Zied, registered dietician with a master’s degree, author of Nutrition at Your Fingertips and Feed Your Family Right!, founder/president of Zied Health Communications

3. Scrub right way.
“To prevent the spread of germs throughout the house and to yourself, instruct your kids to wash their hands regularly. Studies show that kids typically only run the water for five seconds and leave with their hands dripping wet, which isn't effective. Teach them to sing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' or say their ABCs as the scrub up, and dry their hands thoroughly on a clean towel afterwards.

Also make sure that you do the same -- only 30 percent of adults hit the sink after coughing or sneezing! If you sometimes forget, consider leaving a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer right outside of your sick child's room.” -- Harley Rotbart, M.D., professor and vice chairman of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Denver, author of Germ Proof Your Kids, father of three
 

4. Ask for a hand.
"To keep my own sanity when the kids are sick, I call in the reserves! My mother-in-law lives locally, so she's a big help and a fun person to visit when the kids can't play with their buddies. I might plan an outing for the evening -- maybe a movie with girlfriends -- so I have something to look forward to after being cooped up in the house all day.

I also ask my husband for assistance. We recently had to give our 2-year-old daughter eye drops, and it was a team effort. My husband held and distracted her, while I applied the medicine and repeated the word "gentle" to calm her down. When we finished, we clapped, sang and danced, and all was forgotten in no time." -- Elizabeth Detmer, mom of two  
 

5. Provide comfort.
“During a cold, the main goal is to keep your child comfortable -- dressing in light layers and turning down the thermostat if necessary. Sometimes I'll run a cooling bath to provide some relief and, if necessary, offer ibuprofen or acetaminophen for a fever." --  Dr. Hannah Chow, pediatrician and assistant professor of pediatrics at the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago

6. Break out special treats.
When my two kids are sick, I bring out a goody bag that I keep for rainy days or when they've been especially good. It's usually just filled with stuff that I've picked up at sales, like activity packs, puzzles, small toys and other seasonal crafts.

In the evenings, I'll warm up apple cider, ginger tea with honey and lemon or vanilla soymilk, which is soothing. I try to cater to my kids when they're under the weather, because being sick is no fun." -- Joanne Kim, mom of two

7. Fluff an extra pillow.
“My 4-year-old has an abundance of energy, so I know he's sick when he actually slows down. To clear up his stuffy nose, I use a saline spray and prop an extra pillow under his head to help him breathe easier while he's sleeping.

I've also taught him how to sneeze into the crook of his elbow so that he doesn't spread germs. It's hard to take care of a little one when you're sick too!"
-- Holly Tillotson, mom of one

8. Freeze popsicles.
“Cold popsicles help soothe sore throats. Try making your own from drinks that also provide a dose of vitamin C, like orange juice and fresh berry smoothies.” -- Sarah Krieger, registered dietitian who holds a master’s in public health, clinical pediatric dietitian in the community education department of All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association

9. Play it on repeat.
“Although it can drive me crazy, I let my kids watch their favorite movies as many times as they want. My 3-year-old daughter just had a stomach bug and watched Tangled three times over two days. I knew she was feeling better when she got up to sing and even dance a little during the song "Mother Knows Best." -- Betsy Stephens, blogger (Working for Cookies)
 

10. Bend the rules.
“My biggest advice for our own sanity as moms is to drop the demands. Let me explain: As parents, we ask our kids to do things, from the simple ‘drink your milk' to the complex ‘clean your room.' Then we have to follow through and make sure they listen to us. When kids are sick, they're less able to do as we say, because they're cranky and miserable. Any little thing can trigger a meltdown. So it makes sense to table regular requests (pick up your toys), but follow through on anything that you do ask (put the tissue in the trash can). This approach will make it easier for children to transition back to meeting your behavior expectations when they're feeling better." -- Carin Daddino, former special education teacher and mom of two

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UPDATED JANUARY 29, 2018

The deadly 2018 influenza epidemic shows no signs of letting up. Hundreds of people in the United States have died this flu season, and the experts from CDC say it isn't done yet. It is still recommended that anyone who hasn't yet done get a flu shot, and keep some Genexa Flu Fix on hand in case someone in your household starts showing symptoms. Then call your doctor and make an appointment. This flu strain is very dangerous and can be fatal if gone untreated.

 

UPDATED JANUARY 19, 2018

The deadly flu epidemic continues to take its toll this flu season. Experts are blaming this year's deadly outbreak, which has caused over 100 deaths alone in San Diego County alone, on the deadly H3N2 strain. Doctors, experts and the Center for Disease Control are warning the public that the danger will last another 10 to 12 weeks, and that it is not too late to get a flu vaccination. The CDC has called the 2017-2018 flu an epidemic, but notes that it technically meets that designation just about every year. “We’re at the peak of it now, and we’ll probably see it go below the baseline in several months,” Jernigan said during the briefing. “So, yes, [we’re] definitely in an epidemic, but that’s happens every year in the United States and in the Northern Hemisphere with influenza.”

Prevention is still key to surviving the next few months, for more info on how to minimize your exposure to this year's threat, please visit our article on flu prevention.

For many families, battling the flu is a seasonal rite of passage: Up to one in five children will suffer through a bout this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But it can be a scary experience for any mom," says Dr. Kelly Orringer, a clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan. "Your child can get very sick, very fast."

To help ease your worries, we asked the experts to spell out what day-by-day flu symptoms to expect, how you should treat them, and when to call your pediatrician. By arming yourself with the flu facts, you can stop fretting -- and start taking charge!

Day 1: Initial Flu Symptoms Appear
The first signs of flu are a runny nose, chills and body aches," says Dr. Stanley Grogg, a professor of pediatrics at Oklahoma State University and a spokesman for the American Osteopathic Association. "A child will feel pretty miserable within a 24-hour span.” To prepare for the next few days, stock up on blankets and soft tissues that won’t irritate the area around your child’s nose and increase discomfort.

Be sure to call your pediatrician too: Your little one is already contagious, says Grogg, so if you have a family member who is at risk for complications of the flu -- for example, an infant under the age of 6 months, or a senior citizen older than 65 -- an antiviral medication may be necessary. The course of two pills, which prevent the spread of flu, is most effective within 48 hours of the onset of your child's symptoms.

In addition, Grogg says you should take your child to the doctor if, at any point during the duration of the flu, your child runs a fever higher than 105 F, experiences painful, labored breathing, or stops drinking. Moms have good instincts about their kids, so if something feels really wrong, trust your gut and call your pediatrician.

Day 2: Your Child Runs a Fever
On the second day, a child usually starts running a high fever," says Grogg. "She'll also experience fatigue and a wet cough." He advises bringing down her fever and easing aches with acetaminophen or ibuprofen -- but avoid aspirin."Giving a feverish child aspirin has been linked to a rare, but dangerous, condition called Reye's syndrome," he says.

To prevent dehydration, Grogg recommends making sure that your child is drinking enough: Place a water bottle next to her bed and give her ice pops made with 100-percent fruit juice. And because most children also lose their appetite, he also suggests feeding her calorie-dense treats, like chocolate milk and smoothies.

Days 3 to 5: Symptoms Worsen
Is your child super-sick? That's normal. "This is when flu symptoms are at their worst," explains Orringer. Your kid may also start experiencing gastrointestinal problems, like vomiting and diarrhea; continue giving your child plenty of fluids and ibuprofen or acetaminophen, says Orringer. "For children older than 6, over-the-counter oral medications can provide relief." Other methods she recommends to ease the suffering:

• Brewing tea with honey (can help soothe a sore throat and cough)
• Using a saline spray and running a humidifier (can lessen congestion
• Applying a topical cough-relief rub (can help your child sleep better)

Days 6 to 10: Recuperation Begins
At last -- your child should start feeling better. But if he's not showing improvement, call your pediatrician, says Grogg.

Your kid is also less contagious during this time, says Grogg, so it's safe to let him play with his siblings and friends again. Once your child's temperature is below 100 F for 24 hours (without the aid of acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and he no longer has an uncontrollable cough, Grogg recommends sending him back to school.

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