Along with back-to-school and fall fun comes flu season—yikes!
What comes next? Missed school days, work sick days, and cranky tiredness all around. If we could keep the pumpkins and the holidays but skip the flu, we’d all be much happier.
At Renzo’s, we’re here to help you stay on top of this flu season. That’s why we created the Immunity Builder Bundle—and it’s why we’re sharing 11 flu season prevention tips for parents and kids.
What is the flu?
We all know the flu makes us feel terrible… But what is it, really?
Seasonal influenza (the flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. (An acute respiratory infection is a sudden illness that affects breathing, the nose, throat, or lungs.)
Symptoms include:
- sudden onset of fever
- sore throat
- runny nose
- cough (usually dry)
- headache
- muscle and joint pain
When you or your kid has these symptoms, it’s hard to tell whether it’s the flu or another acute respiratory virus. The flu can look and feel a lot like rhinovirus (the most common cold virus), COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). A key difference is that the flu often has more intense symptoms, especially early on.
Flu is a concern for parents because it can be more severe for young children. It’s also risky for pregnant people, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
The flu is typically intense for the first 3 to 4 days, but most people recover in about a week. You may notice that you or your child feel tired and weak after the flu, and the cough may linger. That’s all part of recovery from seasonal influenza.
What is “flu season”?
Why do we talk about influenza as seasonal?
Flu is around all year, but flu season officially starts in October, peaks in February, and tapers out around March. The peak and decline pattern can change yearly because each flu season differs.
There are a handful of flu viruses, but only influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics (aka “flu season). Within these two types, there are multiple subtypes, lineages and strains.
Each year, scientists use data to anticipate the flu strain that will dominate a flu season. They do this in advance so vaccine makers can prepare the best possible vaccine.
How is flu spread?
Flu spreads easily, especially among kids. The virus is carried in tiny droplets in our mucus or saliva. When someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks, these droplets are carried in the air.
The tiny flu virus droplets can land on surfaces like doorknobs, toys, or countertops. If a child touches these surfaces and then touches their face—especially their mouth, nose, or eyes—they can catch the flu.
Flu viruses can also spread directly through close contact, like hugging, kissing, and even being in a shared space. That’s because the tiny droplets can travel through the air short distances, especially in enclosed spaces like classrooms or homes, where it’s easier to catch the virus just by being close to someone.
Since the virus is in saliva, it’s also spread by sharing cups, water bottles, food or utensils with someone who’s sick.
What to expect from the 2024-25 flu season
Scientists don’t only predict what to expect from flu season. They also look at trends in other respiratory infections, including COVID and RSV, which also cause hospitalizations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the fall and winter respiratory disease season to be on par or less severe than last year. We may see a similar or lower number of combined peak hospitalizations.
Of course, there are always unknowns. Flu season could be worse if we see new and stronger variants, if the vaccines aren’t a good match for the strains, or if vaccine uptake is lower.
The good news is you can protect your little ones from catching the flu by following the right precautions.
Tips to prepare for flu season (this year and every year)
No matter the flu season, it’s not inevitable that you’ll catch the virus. There’s a lot you can do to prevent exposure to the virus and boost you and your child’s immunity.
Here are practical, effective ways to reduce the risk.
Change your air filters
This is an easy way to help defend against flu!
Clean air filters help prevent virus transmission in a few ways:
- High-quality air filters, especially HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, are designed to capture tiny particles, including some airborne viruses. Regularly changing these filters helps maintain cleaner air in your home.
- Viruses can attach to dust and other particles in the air. A clean filter helps capture these particles, reducing the chance that viruses will circulate in your home.
- A clean filter allows your HVAC system to work more efficiently, promoting better airflow and ventilation. Proper ventilation dilutes indoor air with fresh outdoor air, helping to remove potential viral particles.
While air filters alone won’t prevent your kid from catching the flu, they are important to maintaining an environment where the flu is less likely to thrive and spread.
A thorough cleaning of your dehumidifier is a great idea, too! Cleaning your dehumidifier helps prevent growth of mold and bacteria, so your air stays cleaner.
Hygiene really helps
One thing parents know for sure: kids spread sickness faster than greased lightning. Because the flu is spread through human-to-human contact and contaminated surfaces, proper hygiene goes a long way to preventing infection. It’s your kiddo’s first defense against the icky flu virus.
Review the following tips with your little ones as prep for this year's flu season.
Explain how flu germs spread
To help kids understand the flu (and get better at avoiding it), explain that invisible flu germs can live on anything they touch. Once the germs are on our hands, they’re much more likely to reach our eyes, noses, and mouths, where the flu bugs can invade our immune systems.
To avoid the germs, teach kids to keep their hands off their face and out of their eyes, mouth (and nose).
Little kids need to be reminded not to put fingers, toys, or anything else that might be germy in their mouths. Kids of all ages need to be reminded not to share their water bottles, food, or drinks with others.
Most importantly, teach them how to keep their hands flu-germ-free.
Help them master proper handwashing
Washing hands is a no-brainer when it comes to preventing flu.
Kids should know when to wash:
- Before and after eating
- After using the restroom
- After touching something potentially germy
- When coming home from being out
Make sure they know how to wash their hands properly with plenty of water and soap. You can also review the 5 steps for proper handwashing:
- Wet
- Lather
- Scrub
- Rinse
- Dry
Singing the Happy Birthday song twice is just the right amount of time to keep those germy flu bugs away. Or better yet, have them sing their ABC’s!
If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
Stop the spread
Aside from hand washing, there are other key ways to keep flu germs from spreading.
Let kids know they’re not rude if they keep a safe distance from people who are coughing, sniffling, and sneezing—they’re being safe.
Always cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs. Be sure to throw tissues away after the first use.
Disinfect at home
Why is cleaning a key strategy during flu season?
The flu virus can live up to 48 hours on surfaces. So, someone from your house can bring the virus in on their hands and transmit it to a high-touch area, where everyone else picks up the virus, too.
Routine disinfecting helps prevent sickness and keep your family healthy this season. Consider doing the following:
- Frequently disinfect doorknobs, light switches, faucets, cabinet hardware, stair rails, toilet handles, fridge handles, remote controls, tabletops, and other high-touch surfaces.
- Keep extra sanitizing wipes at the entrances of your home and in common areas to encourage frequent cleaning.
- Wash your kiddo’s toys; especially before and after playdates.
It’s a lot of work! But it can pay off in more healthy days.
Keep healthy kids active
Remember when we used to think cold air was the cause of colds and flu? We now know that fresh air—especially combined with exercise—is great for kids.
It’s proven that activity helps to strengthen their immune system against the flu and COVID.
You can keep your kids active this fall by signing up for extracurricular activities, going on evening walks or bike rides, or playing outdoors together.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Keeping your child well-hydrated is one of the simplest ways to help them stay healthy during flu season. When kids are properly hydrated, their bodies can work better at fighting off viruses.
Flu germs often enter the body through the nose and mouth, but drinking enough water keeps their mucous membranes (in the lining of the nose and throat) moist. This moisture helps trap flu germs before they can cause illness.
Hydration also supports their immune system, making it easier for their body to send white blood cells to fight off infections.
Encouraging your child to drink water throughout the day is a simple but powerful step to help them stay strong and healthy during flu season.
Make sure kids catch those Zzzzs
Kids fight sleep and parents can’t get enough of it. But there’s more to getting a great night’s sleep than avoiding cranky toddlers… and grumpy parents!
While we sleep, our immune system produces proteins and T-cells that help fight infection and strengthen the immune response. This is why adequate sleep is a crucial step in flu prevention.
Kids and parents who are well-rested are also better prepared for tough days if someone does get the flu.
It can be tough to get our kid’s sleep habits on track, but with a consistent routine of early bedtimes, you’ll help protect your family from the flu.
Get a flu vaccine
Getting a flu vaccine is always on the “Prepare for Flu Season” checklist! So, talk with your medical care provider and read up on flu vaccines to be prepared. Experts often recommend that kids get the flu vaccine in October to build immunity before peak flu season.
Will the flu vaccine provide 100% protection? Unfortunately not, but it is the best way to prevent the flu.
The flu virus is tricky. It changes from season to season to avoid recognition by our immune systems. That’s why the World Health Organization meets twice yearly to discuss which strains are most likely to spread and agree on a seasonal flu vaccine to target those strains.
The flu vaccine contains molecules that “train” our bodies to recognize and fight a flu virus. Preparing our immune system to take on the toughest flu strains of the year creates a strong defense against the virus.
Your child may be eligible for a nasal spray flu vaccine. However, if they’re not eligible or it’s not available, they might be nervous about an injection. Here are ways you can help:
- Explain: What a vaccine is and how it protects them.
- Be the example: Explain every step along the way while you get vaccinated.
- Distract: Games, stories, or favorite cartoons can keep their attention away from the injection.
- Reward: Vaccines are no fun! Reward your little one for their bravery.
Remember that flu is more dangerous for children and the elderly. When you and your kids get vaccinated, you protect them, other kids, and often grandparents, too!
Keep a fresh supply of fruits and veg
Next on our list of flu season prevention tips is a healthy diet—because if there’s one thing all immune systems love, it’s nutrition! Research shows that certain nutrients help kids fight off the flu and other bugs.
A healthy diet includes whole foods and colorful fruits and veggies. It also includes lean meats, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans. If your kid is adventurous, include foods with probiotics, like yogurt and sauerkraut.
Encourage your kids to cut back on processed foods and sugar—especially during flu season. These culprits have been known to disturb the gut and suppress immunity as a result.
Know your flu-fighting vitamins and minerals
Getting nutritious foods into kids can be easier said than done!
So, consider stocking up on immune-boosting vitamins this flu season. Renzo’s created the Immunity Builder Bundle so you can have your cabinet stocked and ready for this flu season.
This bundle includes:
- Invincible Vitamin C (made with Elderberry and Zinc for extra antioxidant power)
- Dynamite D3 (the sunshine vitamin made with D3 for children)
- Picky Eater Multi (18 essential vitamins and minerals — perfect for picky eaters!)
This year, we’re excited to offer a new, cutting-edge immunity defender: Roll Call Immunity, featuring IMMUSE®, a postbiotic that targets rare “leader” immune cells. IMMUSE® provides year-round defense against the germs that make kids sick.
Stock up your medicine cabinet and supplies
Flu can show up even with the best prevention and immune support! When it does, you don’t want to run out to stock up on essentials. So be prepared.
Certain medicines can help relieve flu symptoms, including:
- Fever and pain relief: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) helps reduce fever and relieve aches and pains and is safe for most children when dosed correctly. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) also reduces fever, aches, and inflammation. It can be used in children over 6 months old.
- Cough and congestion relief: Saline nasal drops or sprays help relieve stuffy noses. Cough drops (for children over 6 years old) or honey (for children over 12 months) to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
- Antiviral medication: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu): An antiviral that may be prescribed for children, especially those at high risk for flu complications. It’s most effective if taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms.
Remember to check the label to make sure the medicine is age-appropriate, and follow the dosing instructions. Consult your doctor if you’re not sure.
Caution: Avoid giving children aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid). It is unsafe even for older children and teenagers.
To prepare for flu season, you’ll also want to stock up on the following:
- Tissues
- Hand soap
- Disinfectant spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Humidifier filters
- Face masks (for crowded spaces or to wear when someone in your family does get sick)
Have these on hand now, just in case!
Have a plan in case the flu strikes
Flu is so stressful—especially for working parents of young kids. It helps to have a game plan for when flu symptoms show up (in you or your kid). Here are a few things to line up in advance:
- Transportation: Is there someone else besides you who can pick your child up from school? Are they on the school’s authorized pickup list?
- Care: Do you have a friend or relative who can watch your child if you can’t? Ensure they have your child’s pediatrician’s number and list of allergies/dietary restrictions handy.
- Work: How much sick time do you or your partner have left in the year? What are your employer’s leave policies? Is there a work-from-home option? Is there someone who can fill in for you?
Being prepared will make a case of the flu a little more manageable.
What to do when your child has the flu
So, your kid has symptoms of the flu. What do you do?
You can make a child more comfortable with the medications listed above. If in doubt, consult your healthcare provider.
Kids with flu need rest and plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can help lower fever, reduce fatigue, and replace fluids lost from symptoms like sweating from fever.
Fever is one of the scariest parts of the flu, but it is the body’s natural response to infection (heat makes it uncomfortable for viruses to hang out). That said, there are some situations where a fever is dangerous:
- Infants under 3 months: If they have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, contact a doctor immediately.
- Children 3 to 6 months: If the fever is 102°F (38.9°C) or higher or if they seem unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable, visit your doctor of the hospital.
- Children over 6 months: If the fever is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher or if they show other concerning symptoms like difficulty breathing, a rash, persistent vomiting, or extreme fatigue, seek healthcare.
- Longer than 3 days: If the fever lasts more than 3 days, have your child examined by a doctor (regardless of their age).
- Seizures: Take your child to the hospital if they have a seizure (caused by fever), or if the fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty waking up.
Always trust your instincts—if you’re worried, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.
Congrats. You’re ready for flu season!
You might not feel ready, but you now know a lot more than most parents about the flu and how to fight it. Key takeaway: being proactive is the best prevention.
While you’re here, grab the Immunity Builder Bundle and Roll Call Immunity to help boost your little one’s immune system. These little melty tabs with big flavor do a lot to support their developing immunity—and it’s peace of mind for you during flu season.