10 Pediatrician-Approved Tips to Protect Your Child During Flu Season in Utah

Article at a Glance

• The flu season in Utah is severe and early this year, with statewide hospitalization rates rivaling last year’s peak.
• A “mismatched” flu strain is hitting infants and the elderly particularly hard, adding pressure to local healthcare systems.
• Key strategies for protection include getting the flu vaccine, practicing strict hand hygiene, and following a “stay at home” policy for sickness.
• Pediatrician-approved tips emphasize making prevention fun, such as singing the ABCs while handwashing and using the “dab” technique for coughing.
• Early consultation with a doctor for antiviral medication is recommended for high-risk children exhibiting symptoms.

In Utah County and across the state, this January has brought a significant surge in respiratory illness. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, the statewide flu hospitalization rate has reached 8.42 per 100,000 population, a level that already rivals the peak of last year’s severe season. With nearly 700 flu-associated hospitalizations reported so far, local healthcare systems in Orem, Provo, and the Alpine School District area are feeling the pressure of an early and intense peak.

A primary driver of this year’s severity is a mutated strain of influenza. State epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen has warned that this “mismatched” variant is hitting infants and the elderly particularly hard. In Utah County, where health officials are also managing 24 confirmed measles cases, the combined impact has created a uniquely challenging respiratory season for families.

Here are 10 practical, pediatrician-approved strategies to help keep your family healthy, along with kid-friendly ways to get your children involved.

1. Prioritize the annual flu vaccine.

The most effective way to prevent severe illness is the flu shot. Even though the season is already underway in Utah, epidemiologists note that it is not too late to get vaccinated. The vaccine takes about two weeks to provide full protection. It significantly reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalizations and helps prevent the most life-threatening complications in children.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Explain the vaccine as a superhero shield or germ-fighting training for their body. Use words like “small poke” or “pinch” rather than “shot,” and refer to the nurse as a helper who is there to keep them strong.

2. Master the 20-second hand wash.

Frequent handwashing is a cornerstone of infection prevention. Teach your children to scrub their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after spending time in public places, after using the restroom, and before eating. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Make it a musical event to help them wash for the appropriate amount of time. Have your child sing “Happy Birthday” twice or the ABCs while they scrub. Using colorful foaming soap or “magic” color-changing soaps can make the process much more engaging for toddlers.

3. Teach coughing technique.

The flu spreads through respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk. Encourage your children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of their elbow rather than their hands. This simple habit prevents the virus from getting onto their palms and fingers, which would then spread to every surface they touch.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Teach your child to “do the dab” when they sneeze. This once-popular dance move naturally puts their face right into the crook of their elbow, making it an easy and fun habit to remember.

4. Keep hands away from the “T-zone.”

The eyes, nose, and mouth make up the “T-zone” where viruses most easily enter the body. Children often touch their faces subconsciously throughout the day. Gently remind them to avoid rubbing their eyes or putting their fingers near their mouths, particularly when they are at school or in daycare settings where many children share the same space.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Play a game called “The No-Touch Zone.” See who can go the longest without touching their face during a car ride or while watching a show. Reward the winner with a small sticker or extra story time.

5. Sanitize high-touch surfaces daily.

The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours. Focus your cleaning efforts on items that everyone in the house touches frequently. This includes doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, refrigerator handles, and shared tablets or gaming controllers. Using a household disinfectant can help break the chain of transmission within your home.

6. Implement a strict stay-at-home policy.

If your child begins to show symptoms like a fever, cough, or body aches, keep them home from school and extracurricular activities. The CDC recommends that children stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. This prevents the virus from spreading to classmates and teachers.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Frame the sick day as a “home camp-in.” Help them build a “rest fortress” out of pillows and blankets on the sofa. This makes staying in one spot for recovery feel like a special event rather than a punishment.

7. Focus on restorative sleep.

A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off infections. Ensure that your children are following a consistent sleep schedule. School-aged children generally need between nine and 12 hours of sleep per night. When the body is deprived of rest, the immune system may not function at its full potential, making it harder to ward off the flu.

8. Monitor for “red flag” symptoms.

It is important to know when a typical flu case requires urgent medical attention. Contact your pediatrician or seek emergency care if your child has trouble breathing, shows signs of dehydration, or has a fever that goes away but then returns and is worse than before. Being observant of these changes can prevent a situation from becoming a crisis.

9. Maintain proper hydration and nutrition.

A balanced diet supports a strong immune system. Encourage your child to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. During flu season, hydration is equally important. Water and broth-based soups help keep the mucous membranes in the nose and throat hydrated, which serves as a natural barrier against viruses.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Use a “rainbow plate” challenge. Encourage kids to eat a fruit or vegetable of every color during the week. “Red for power, orange for energy, green for strength, etc.” helps them see healthy food as fuel for their internal shield.

10. Ask about antiviral medications early.

If your child is at high risk for complications or becomes very sick, your pediatrician may prescribe antiviral drugs. These medications are most effective when started within two days of the first symptoms. They are not a substitute for the vaccine, but they can make the illness milder and shorten the time your child feels sick. Contact your doctor as soon as symptoms appear to see if this is a necessary step.

These 10 flu-prevention tips can help your children and your family stay healthy throughout even the most severe flu seasons. If you think your child may be coming down with the flu, schedule an appointment today.