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Fairfax County is experiencing very high flu activity, with emergency departments and urgent care centers reporting an increase in flu-like illnesses—especially among children. Multiple outbreaks have also occurred in schools and elsewhere in the community.

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The virus spreads through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

People who are sick should remain home and avoid contact with others until their symptoms are improving and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

Prescription antiviral drugs may make the flu less severe and shorten the illness. Parents should promptly contact a healthcare provider about testing and treatment when a student develops symptoms, particularly if the child faces a higher risk of serious complications.

Vaccination can still provide protection during the active flu season. Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to receive a flu vaccine, even if they did not get one in the fall.

Other precautions include covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper sleeve, discarding used tissues and washing hands afterward. Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Alcohol-based sanitizer can be used when soap and water are unavailable, with supervision for younger children.

Wearing a mask around other people indoors may also reduce transmission, especially when someone who is ill must be near others. Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly.

Children and teenagers who may have the flu should not receive aspirin or products containing salicylate, including Pepto-Bismol. Giving those products to anyone 18 or younger with a possible flu infection can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious complication.

Families with questions should contact a healthcare provider or their school’s public health nurse.