Cold and Flu Season
Wellness Guide
While colds and flu (and other bugs) can hit at any time, they are most often spread during the fall and winter. Flu season typically occurs between October and May – and peaks from December through February. You can track flu activity in your community by visiting the Florida Department of Health’s flu activity report (updated weekly).
“Together, we can all do our part to keep Florida families healthy this flu season – get your flu shot, wash your hands, know the symptoms, cover your mouth and nose and stay home if you feel sick.”
– Stephanie Haridopolos, M.D., Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Board Chair
Your child’s flu shot is FREE with Florida KidCare.
The flu shot can significantly reduce your family’s risk of catching the flu – and it’s available for FREE* with Florida KidCare.
*You may be subject to a $5 office visit copay; talk to your child’s doctor for more information.
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NOW is the time to apply!
Where Can You Get a Flu Shot?
Where you get your flu shot is up to you. If you have a young child, going to a trusted, familiar primary care physician may make the process easier.
Planning to get your flu shot at a local pharmacy or vaccine clinic? Locate a flu shot location near you.
5 Rules to Reduce the Risk of Getting Sick
Frequently washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean running water is one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of germs, especially after you touch surfaces where germs like to hide – places like door knobs, shopping cart handles, and restaurant tables. If soap and water aren’t available, opt for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Teach your child to resist the urge to touch their face, bite their nails or pick their nose (all gross habits in general), especially after they touch surfaces that may be contaminated with germs.
The holiday season can be stressful – especially when it involves planning or travel. If you or your child feel overwhelmed, try to find ways to manage stress like deep breathing and meditation, going for walks or taking time out of the day to do something that brings joy.
In addition to managing stress, it is important to make sure your child gets at least 8-10 hours of sleep each night, especially during cold and flu season. It keeps your child’s immune system strong and ready to fight off germs.
Make sure your family gets their daily dose of immunity-boosting vitamins through fruits, veggies and other nutritious foods. Be active for at least 2½ hours each week and remind your kids to move for at least an hour a day. Drinking plenty of water also helps a body stay hydrated and prepared to fight viruses like the common cold and flu.
How Florida Families Prevent the
Spread – By the Numbers
95% of Florida families take at least one of the following
steps to prevent catching a cold or the flu:
0%
Wash Hands
0%
Plan to Get a Flu Shot
0%
Get Enough RestSource: Survey of 650 Floridians, including 110 parents of children under age 18 –
conducted by Breakthrough Research, Sept. 7-10, 2023
Spread the Word…NOT Germs
This Cold and Flu Season!
Share the following graphics on your social media account to help your friends and family prevent the spread of germs this cold and flu season.
What to Look For: Cold & Flu Symptoms
It can be hard to tell the difference between a common cold and the flu – or even COVID-19. So here’s what to look for:
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, or your nose and throat. It's usually harmless, even if it may not feel that way.
Influenza (a.k.a. the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms, and at times can be fatal.
Is It a Cold, the Flu or COVID-19?
| Common Symptoms | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever and/or chills | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Headache | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Muscle pain or body aches | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Feeling tired or weak | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Sore throat | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Runny or stuffy nose | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sneezing | ✓ | ||
| Cough | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Vomiting and diarrhea | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Change in or loss of taste or smell | ✓ |
Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/it-cold-flu-or-covid-19
Family Member Sick With the Flu?
Home Remedies to Help Them Feel Better
Drink Lots of Water
Fever-induced sweating, along with vomiting and diarrhea, can cause excessive fluid loss. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Catch Some Zzz’s
Sleep is one of the best remedies when you’re sick because it helps your body build up its immune system and fight off germs faster.
Take a Warm Bath
Take a warm Epsom salt bath to help reduce a fever and relieve body aches. The steam from the bath can also help clear congestion.
Humidify the Air
Use a cool mist humidifier to soothe a sore throat and reduce nasal inflammation.
Sip on Some Tea
Drink hot liquids like broth, tea or warm water with lemon and honey to ease congestion.
When and Where to Get Medical Care for the Flu?
Most people who catch the flu experience mild symptoms. However, if your child is at an increased risk of flu-related complications or is experiencing severe symptoms, you should contact your primary care physician immediately.
This is important: Do NOT go to the emergency room if your child is experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. Instead, visit your primary care physician or a local urgent care clinic. Hospitals tend to get very busy during cold and flu season, so it could take several hours to be seen by a medical professional. It also may expose you and your child to other dangerous germs.
Downloadable Coloring Sheets
Teach your kids to follow safe and healthy behaviors to prevent the spread of germs – and stock up on at-home remedies for cold and flu season, just in case!
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