Protecting Your Family from the Flu This Christmas

Keeping the Holidays Merry and Bright: Protecting Your Family from the Flu This Christmas

As Christmas approaches, many of us are looking forward to spending time with loved ones, sharing meals, and making memories. But for families with little ones feeling under the weather, the holiday season can bring its own set of challenges—especially with the high rate of influenza circulating right now.

If you have a sick child this Christmas, it’s natural to feel disappointed or worried about missing out on family traditions. Remember, prioritizing health now ensures everyone can enjoy many more joyful moments in the future.

What to Watch for: Flu Symptoms in Children

Influenza can come on quickly and may hit children hard. Be on the lookout for:

• Fever (sometimes with chills)
• Cough or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches or fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

These symptoms can often be confused with a cold or other illness, so it’s important to keep a close eye on how your child is feeling.

Flu in Louisiana: What the Numbers Say

The flu season is hitting hard this year. Nationally, the CDC estimates at least 1.9 million flu illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 970 deaths so far. Louisiana is seeing particularly high flu activity, with over 11% of flu tests returning positive, compared to a national positivity rate of 3.5%.

When to Call the Doctor

While most flu cases can be managed at home, call your pediatrician if your child has:

• Difficulty breathing or very fast breathing
• Persistent high fever that doesn’t respond to medication
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet diapers, dry lips, or no tears when crying)
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty waking up
• Flu symptoms in a baby under 6 months old
• Extremely sore muscles (e.g., muscles so sore it might be difficult to walk)

It’s always better to check in if you’re unsure. We’re here to help. (318-221-2225)

How to Care for Your Sick Child at Home

When the flu hits, focus on:

• Rest and hydration: Keep your child comfortable with plenty of fluids and downtime.
• Fevers: Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage discomfort (never aspirin for children and no ibuprofen for children under 6 months of age).
• Keeping germs at bay: Encourage frequent handwashing and teach kids to cough into their elbows.

When Is It Safe to Be Around Others?

If your child has the flu, they can be contagious for about 5-7 days after symptoms start (and even longer in younger children). As a rule of thumb, wait until they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before allowing them to be around others.

We know it’s hard to stay away from family gatherings, but this step helps protect vulnerable loved ones—like grandparents or infants—who might face serious complications if they catch the flu.

Protecting Your Family This Holiday Season

With all the excitement of Christmas, here are a few tips to keep your family safe:

• Vaccination: It’s not too late for the flu shot!
• Hand hygiene: Keep little hands (and big ones) clean with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Limit exposure: If anyone in the family feels sick, stay home and rest.

Finding Joy in the Moment

If your holiday plans are disrupted by illness, remember that the love and connection of Christmas don’t have to fade. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch with a favorite holiday movie or calling family via video chat, there are still ways to make the season special.

Your family’s health comes first, and sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is keeping others safe. Here’s to a merry, healthy holiday season and a bright start to the new year!