Breaking: I am confirming a sharp, early rise in flu cases, with children hit first and hardest. Clinics and ERs report fast climbs this week. A newly identified flu variant is in circulation, which may be helping the virus spread sooner than usual.
What is happening now
This flu season is starting early, and it is accelerating. Pediatric visits for fever and cough are rising fast. Schools and child care centers are feeling the strain. Families need clear guidance now, before more households get sick.
Early recognition matters. Influenza can move quickly. When care starts early, especially in high risk people, the illness is often shorter and milder. Antiviral medicine works best in the first two days. Testing early helps doctors choose the right treatment.
How to recognize flu symptoms
Flu usually begins suddenly. Many people can name the hour it hit. Fever is common. So are chills, a deep cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and crushing fatigue. You may feel like you were “hit by a truck.”
Children can also have vomiting or diarrhea. Some do not have fever at first. Watch for fast breathing, trouble drinking fluids, or unusual sleepiness in young kids.
If you wake with a high fever, a harsh cough, and severe aches, think flu. A cold tends to build slowly, with milder symptoms. Allergies itch and sneeze, but they do not cause fever or body aches.
Flu or something else
Flu, COVID, and RSV can look alike. Flu often hits fast with high fever and aches. COVID can start with sore throat and fatigue, and may include loss of taste or smell. RSV is a bigger concern for infants, who may wheeze, breathe fast, or refuse feeds.
A test is the only sure way to tell. Rapid flu tests are widely available. Many clinics now run combo tests that check for flu and COVID at the same time.
Go to urgent care or an ER now if you have:
– Trouble breathing or chest pain
– Signs of dehydration, very dry mouth, no urine for 8 hours, dizziness
– Confusion, seizures, or severe weakness
– Bluish lips or face in a child
– Fever above 104 degrees that does not come down with medicine
What to do in the first 48 hours
Time matters. Here is the plan I recommend when flu symptoms begin.
- Isolate at home, wear a high quality mask around others, and rest.
- Call your doctor the same day if you are high risk, pregnant, over 65, under 5, or have asthma, heart, lung, diabetes, or immune problems.
- Get tested quickly. Ask for a flu or combo flu and COVID test.
- Start antiviral treatment if prescribed. Oseltamivir and similar drugs work best within 48 hours.
- Drink fluids, use fever reducers as directed, and use honey or throat lozenges for cough if age appropriate.
Antiviral medicine can cut the risk of pneumonia, hospitalization, and complications. It works best when started early, even in healthy adults.
Vaccination remains the strongest shield. If you have not had this season’s flu shot, get it now. It will not stop every infection, but it lowers the chance of severe illness and keeps people out of the hospital. It is safe in pregnancy and for children 6 months and older.
Slow the spread at home and school
Flu spreads through droplets and the air, especially in close, indoor settings. Keep sick kids home until fever free for 24 hours without medicine and symptoms are improving. Open windows when possible. Point fans toward open air. Clean high touch surfaces daily.
Masking helps during surges, especially in crowded clinics, pharmacies, and on transit. Hand gel with at least 60 percent alcohol works when soap and water are not nearby. Do not share drinks, utensils, or towels. Label personal water bottles in classrooms and sports.
Schools can help by sending sick students home, spacing out lunch, offering tissues and hand gel, and encouraging flu shots for staff and families. A simple note home about rising cases can prompt quicker testing and care.
Household checklist: set up a sick room, stock fever reducers, a thermometer, tissues, rehydration solutions, and masks. Plan drop off and pickup help for school if a child needs to stay home. 💡
The bottom line
Flu is here early, and it is moving fast. Know the symptoms, test quickly, and start care in the first two days. Get vaccinated now, and use simple steps to cut spread at home and school. Quick action this week can protect your family’s health for the rest of the season.
