November 19, 2025, 4:35 p.m.
Jamie Kondis, MD
Flu season is here. Jamie Kondis, MD, a WashU Medicine pediatrician at St. Louis Children's Hospital, shares how to prep a flu kit, comfort kids through tough symptoms, and know when to call the doctor.
Winter prep for flu season and keeping kids healthy
As a pediatrician, I know flu season can feel overwhelming for families. Each winter, we see children coming to the Emergency Department with high fevers, coughs, congestion, and upset stomachs. A little preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly you get through it and how quickly your child feels better.
What to keep at home
I recommend creating a small flu kit before illness strikes. Include a reliable thermometer, children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen and a dosage chart for your child’s weight, and an over-the-counter rehydration drink. Consider adding a cool-mist humidifier to ease congestion, soft facial tissues, and plenty of clear fluids like water, broth, or diluted juice. Having these items ready avoids stressful last-minute runs to the store and lets you focus on comforting your child.
Comforting children when they're sick
Vomiting is one of the most difficult symptoms for young children and parents. When it happens, offer very small sips of clear liquid, sometimes just a teaspoon every few minutes, until their stomach settles. Hold off on solid foods until your child has been able to keep fluids down for several hours, then reintroduce bland items such as crackers, bananas, or toast. Extra rest helps the body recover. Keep towels, wipes, and a trash can or bowl nearby to make clean-up easier. Stay close by so your child feels reassured and safe.
Nausea often comes before or after vomiting. Encourage your child to sit upright or recline rather than lying flat, since that can make nausea worse. Cool compresses on the forehead and slow, deep breathing can sometimes ease the discomfort. Offering ice chips or ice pops is another way to keep them hydrated when larger drinks feel overwhelming.
Other flu symptoms may also need comfort care. Fevers can make children achy, so light clothing, a lukewarm sponge bath, or fever-reducing medicine (when appropriate for their age and weight) can help. Stuffy noses often improve with a humidifier or saline spray, and warm fluids such as broth or tea can soothe sore throats. The most important step in managing all symptoms is rest, as the body heals best when given time to recover.
Handwashing and sanitizer
Hand hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent flu from spreading in your household. Washing with soap and water is the most effective method because it removes dirt, germs, and viruses from the skin. Encourage kids to wash for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good backup when soap and water are unavailable, but it is less effective on hands that are visibly dirty. A practical rule to teach children is "wash when you can, sanitize when you must."
Additional steps for prevention
Flu shots remain one of the most reliable ways to reduce the severity and spread of illness. Children six months and older should receive the vaccine every year. Encouraging adequate sleep, balanced meals, and daily physical activity also keeps kids' immune systems stay stronger during the winter months. Teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow can further protect siblings, classmates, and caregivers.
When to call the doctor
Most cases of flu can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and fever control. Call your pediatrician if your child has trouble breathing, cannot keep fluids down, shows signs of dehydration (such as urinating less than two times per day), dry or cracked lips, a dry tongue, or if symptoms suddenly worsen after seeming to improve. Infants under 2 years old and children with chronic medical conditions may need closer monitoring and earlier evaluation.
Preparing helps everyone
Flu season is never easy, but preparation helps families feel calmer and allows kids to recover more comfortably. Stock your home with the basics, know how to comfort sick children, and keep hand hygiene and flu shots part of your routine. With these steps, your family will be better equipped to stay healthy throughout the winter.
In case of a medical emergency with a child, determine where the nearest accredited, Level I pediatric trauma center is located. St. Louis Children’s Hospital has six pediatric Emergency Department locations across the St. Louis and southern Illinois region. These include St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital at Memorial Hospital Belleville, Children’s Hospital at Memorial Hospital Shiloh, Children’s Hospital at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Children’s Hospital at Northwest HealthCare, and Children’s Hospital at Progress West Hospital.
Jamie Kondis, MD, specializes in pediatric emergency medicine and child abuse pediatrics. She graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and received her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed her WashU Medicine pediatric residency at St. Louis Children's Hospital and served for a year as chief resident.
