Flu Season Is Here: Pediatrician Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy in New Hampshire

Flu season has arrived across New Hampshire and the Seacoast, and many families are already seeing sudden fevers, coughs, body aches, and fatigue in children. While flu season can feel overwhelming for parents, knowing how to prevent illness — and when to seek care — can make all the difference.

At WanderCARE Pediatrics & Urgent Care, my goal is to help families feel informed, supported, and never rushed. Here’s what to know this flu season and how to care for your child if symptoms arise.

How to Help Prevent Influenza in Children

While no prevention strategy is perfect, these evidence-based steps can reduce your child’s risk of getting sick and help lessen the severity of illness:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water

  • Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Prioritize sleep to support the immune system

  • Offer nourishing foods and plenty of fluids

  • Keep children home when sick to protect others

  • Stay up to date on recommended flu vaccination, when appropriate

These habits are especially important during peak flu season in New Hampshire.

Common Flu Symptoms in Kids

Flu symptoms in children often begin suddenly and may include:

  • Fever (often high) and chills

  • Body aches or muscle pain

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Cough or sore throat

  • Nasal congestion or runny nose

  • Headache

  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in younger children)

Children often feel quite uncomfortable during the first few days, even with uncomplicated flu.

When It’s Okay to Care for the Flu at Home

Many children with flu can recover safely at home with supportive care if they are:

  • Drinking fluids well

  • Breathing comfortably

  • Alert and responsive

  • Fever responds to proper doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen

  • Gradually improving over a few days

Rest, hydration, comfort measures, and fever support (when needed) are often the most important treatments.

When to Call a Pediatrician or Book a Visit

You should reach out for medical care if your child has:

  • Difficulty breathing or fast, labored breathing

  • Persistent or very high fever

  • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, minimal urine, lethargy)

  • Worsening symptoms after initial improvement

  • Underlying medical conditions that increase flu risk

  • Or if your parent instinct tells you something isn’t right

You never need to wait until symptoms feel urgent to ask questions.

How WanderCARE Supports Families During Flu Season

At WanderCARE Pediatrics & Urgent Care, flu visits are designed to feel calm, thorough, and unrushed — because when your child is sick, reassurance matters.

I offer:

  • Same or Next-day sick visits

  • Pediatric office visits, home visits, or telemedicine

  • Gentle, thoughtful exams

  • Plenty of time for parent questions

  • Direct access to care without long waits

  • Urgent care for both members and non-members

Whether your child needs evaluation, reassurance, or guidance on what to watch for, I’m here to help.

Need a Same-Day Pediatric Visit in New Hampshire?

If your child isn’t feeling well or you’d like support navigating flu symptoms, you can book a visit today.

👉 Schedule an appointment at
https://www.wandercarepediatrics.com

With care,
Dr. Jo
WanderCARE Pediatrics & Urgent Care 🌿

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