Flu season tips for kids are most helpful before the first call from the school nurse, when a parent is trying to decide what to do next. A short plan can help Arkansas families protect everyday routines, respond calmly when a child is sick and know when to get medical help.
Start with four decisions: how your child will get vaccinated, the hand and cough habits your household will practice, what will happen if school is missed and who you will call if symptoms become concerning. It is practical preparation—not a reason to panic.
Flu season tips for kids: start with prevention
Seasonal flu vaccination is an important way to reduce a child’s risk of flu and serious complications. Children ages 6 months and older are eligible for seasonal flu vaccination. Some children may need two flu-vaccine doses based on their age and previous vaccination history. A healthcare professional should determine whether two doses are needed and explain the timing. The CDC maintains its latest influenza vaccine recommendations.
At home, make the healthy choice easy to repeat:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing the nose, using the bathroom and before eating.
- If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Young children need safe storage and adult supervision when using sanitizer.
- Practice coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow. Throw used tissues away, then clean hands.
- Clean frequently touched household surfaces, including doorknobs, remotes and shared devices.
These habits will not prevent every illness, but they give children clear steps they can use at home, in the car and at school. The CDC offers practical guidance on hygiene and respiratory-virus prevention.
Make the school plan before your child is sick
A sick morning is easier when the decisions are already made. Check your child’s school or district policy now, including how to report an absence and how to request missed assignments. Decide who can provide care if a parent or caregiver must work.
In general, children should stay home when respiratory symptoms are worsening or not improving, or when illness keeps them from participating in school or staff from caring for them safely. Before a child returns, they should be well enough to participate and their symptoms should be improving. Schools and districts may have their own return policies, so follow the one that applies to your child. CDC school guidance is available at When Students or Staff Are Sick.
A helpful family plan can be as simple as writing down the school attendance contact, a backup caregiver and the number for your child’s clinic in one place.
Know when to call—and when to seek emergency care
Call a healthcare professional if your child is very sick, symptoms are worsening, you are worried or your child has a condition or other factor that may raise the risk of serious flu complications. Young children, especially those younger than 2, are among the groups at higher risk. For a child at higher risk who develops flu symptoms, early contact with a clinician matters because antiviral treatment works best when started early.
Seek immediate medical care for emergency warning signs, including fast or difficult breathing; bluish lips or face; ribs pulling in with each breath; chest pain; severe muscle pain or refusing to walk; dehydration such as no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth or no tears; lack of alertness; seizures; or a fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens. Review the CDC’s respiratory illness warning signs for more information.
Support for your child at Healthy Connections
For families who need pediatric care, My Kids Pediatric Clinic provides care from infancy through adolescence, including well-child visits, sick-child visits, flu shots and school physicals. Appointment availability, including same-day and walk-in options, should be confirmed by location.
Healthy Connections is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center serving communities across Arkansas. If you have questions about your child’s flu-season needs or want to request an appointment, call 888-710-8220 or visit My Kids Pediatrics. Put that number in your family’s plan now—before you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Should my child stay home from school with flu-like symptoms?
A child should generally stay home when respiratory symptoms are worsening or not improving, or when illness interferes with participation in school or staff’s ability to care for the child. Follow your school or district’s specific attendance and return policy.
Do all children need two flu-vaccine doses?
No. Some children may need two doses depending on their age and previous flu-vaccination history. A healthcare professional can determine whether two doses are needed and explain the timing.