If influenza has made its way into your home, we can feel your frustration! Even if you practice proper hand hygiene, get your flu shot and get quality sleep, there is always the chance that you could wind up sick.

It can be especially frustrating and exhausting to have multiple people sick with the flu in your home at one time. If you are wondering how long to expect the flu to linger in your house, our AFC Urgent Care Arden team has the answer below, so keep reading.

How Did My Kids Get the Flu?

At this point in the season, the flu could have come from anywhere. It is present in almost every community across the country, so you could have brought it home from work or the store, or your kids could have brought it home from school. A single uncovered sneeze is all it can take sometimes to be exposed and eventually infected.

The flu can start out with minor symptoms that mirror other viral illnesses, like a sore throat or mild cough. If someone in your home starts to exhibit these symptoms, keep your distance! If it is the flu, he or she will most likely start to feel pretty sick relatively quickly. Avoiding contact with the sick individual is the best way to avoid illness yourself, but when it is your child that is sick, that is not very realistic.

Flu Symptoms to Look Out For

• Fever
• Runny nose/congestion
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Muscle or body aches

How Can I Help My Kids Feel Better From the Flu?

The best way to aid in your child’s recovery is to help him or her with symptom management. Offer some OTC medication if a fever is causing unpleasant symptoms, or a nasal decongestant if your child is complaining of a stuffy nose.

While it may be an unpleasant time in your home, you can expect your child’s symptoms to resolve within four to seven days. That is only if he or she doesn’t spread it to someone else in your home, and then the clock can start all over again! Just know that we are here for you if your symptoms fail to go away or your child spikes a high fever of 103 or higher.

Tips to Recover From the Flu

• Drink plenty of fluids like water or broth.
• Avoid hard-to-digest foods like heavy grains or greasy foods.
• Take pain relievers for a sore throat or body aches.
• Try a saline nasal spray for nasal congestion.

If you are wondering if your recent illness is the flu, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Arden for a rapid test.