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hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 31 you have not yet, as there are still several weeks left to the flu season. Protect yourself The CDC recommends preventive actions to take that may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like the flu: • If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. There should be no fever for a full 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine before a child returns to school. • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Handwashing is the first line of defense. Wash your hands often with soap and water and teach children to do the same. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Know the symptoms People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: • Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with the flu will have a fever) • Cough • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle or body aches T he flu virus is common and unpredictable, and it can cause serious complications and death, even in healthy children. The influenza immunization each year is the best way to protect children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season is intensifying, and the flu is widespread. Even though it is best to get vaccinated as soon as the flu vaccine is available, getting the vaccine now can still be helpful. The CDC recommends getting the flu shot if • Headaches • Fatigue • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child's illness. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids. If your child is five years and older without long-term health problems and gets flu symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, consult your doctor as needed. Children younger than five years of age - especially those younger than two years - and children with certain long-term health problems (including asthma, diabetes and disorders of the brain or nervous system), are at high risk of serious flu-related complications. Call your doctor or take your child to the doctor right away if they develop flu symptoms. Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention It's not too late to get a flu shot Protect your family from the dangers of the flu Flu myths debunked Myth 1: You can catch the flu from the vaccine FALSE! Flu vaccines are made from killed viruses. This helps you build an immunity but does not give you a live infection. Myth 2: The flu vaccine can't be administered at the same time as other vaccines FALSE! It can be, just at a different injection site. Myth 3: Hand sanitizer is protection enough FALSE! Keeping your hands clean is the first line of defense but it is not enough to protect you completely. The flu is easily spread from person to person through the air.