As we head into flu season, many parents are wondering what to expect. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how severe the season will be, scientists and health experts anticipate that influenza will once again spread widely during the fall and winter months, alongside other common respiratory viruses.
The good news? Being prepared can help your family recover faster and reduce the further spread of influenza.
🗓️ When Does Flu Season Start?
Flu cases typically start to increase in the fall when school starts back up, often picking up in October, peaking between December and February, and sometimes even lasting into the early spring. Every season is different, so it’s important to stay aware of symptoms and seek care early if someone in your family becomes sick.
📝 Learning from Australia’s Flu Season
One of the best clues about the upcoming U.S. flu season comes from Australia.
Because Australia’s winter occurs during our summer, their flu season often provides an early look at which influenza strains may circulate in the Northern Hemisphere several months later. While the seasons are never identical, it helps provide an understanding of which viruses are spreading and becoming dominant.
This year, Australian researchers have reported:
- Flu activity has remained lower compared to an unusually severe 2025 season, although cases increased as winter progressed3
- Influenza A viruses continue to be the dominant strain4
🤧 What Symptoms Should Parents Watch For?
Flu symptoms usually occur suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Your child may seem perfectly fine one day and wake up feeling miserable the next.
Common flu symptoms include:1
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
Because flu symptoms can look similar to COVID-19, RSV, strep throat, or even a common cold, it can be difficult to know exactly what’s causing your child’s illness without professional testing.
IMPORTANT: The CDC lists people at a higher risk for serious flu-related complications:1
- Children younger than 5 years old (especially younger than 2 years)
- Pregnant women
- People 65 years and older
- Anybody with chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
- People with abdominal obesity
⏳ Why Early Testing Matters
Getting tested early helps determine whether your child has the flu or another illness. Knowing the cause allows families to:
- Get the right treatment sooner
- Avoid unnecessary medications
- Reduce the spread to siblings, classmates, and grandparents (the first three days of illness are usually the most contagious!)1
- Know when it’s safe to return to school or activities
Early diagnosis is especially important because antiviral medications work best when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin.2
🧪 How Care for Kids Can Help
At Care for Kids, we make getting answers simple.
Our providers offer rapid and molecular testing for illnesses like:
- Influenza (Flu A & B)
- COVID-19
- RSV
- Strep throat
Most test results are available during your visit, allowing our medical team to quickly determine the best treatment plan. We even do curbside testing, so your family doesn’t have to leave the car! Click here to start an at-home virtual visit and schedule your curbside visit.
If your child tests positive for the flu, starting treatment early may help shorten the illness and reduce the severity of symptoms.
🤒 When Should You Bring Your Child In?
Consider scheduling a visit if your child has:
- A high fever that doesn’t improve
- Flu-like symptoms that started suddenly
- Trouble breathing or persistent coughing
- Symptoms lasting longer than expected
- Difficulty drinking fluids or signs of dehydration
- A condition that puts them at higher risk for complications
If you’re unsure whether it’s the flu or something else, it’s always better to have your child evaluated just in case.
🧼 Simple Ways to Help Prevent the Flu
A few everyday habits can help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses:5
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean frequently touched surfaces like phones, toys, and doorknobs
- Keep sick children home until they are feeling better and fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine
- Improve airflow indoors by opening windows or bringing in fresh air when possible
- Get a flu vaccine early in flu season (around mid-September to early-October)
These simple steps can help protect your family and reduce the spread at school and in your community.
Be Ready This Flu Season
No parent wants to see their child sick, but quick testing and early treatment can make a big difference! If you notice any signs of flu symptoms, our Care for Kids team can provide fast answers, compassionate care, and a treatment plan for when your family needs it most.
👉 Don’t wait and wonder. Care for Kids is open 7 days a week with late hours, offers same-day availability, and walk-ins are always welcome. Click here to find your nearest clinic and book ahead.
Pediatric Primary Care Intake Form
Make us your primary care provider and keep all of your child’s care under one roof!
FAQ
When does flu season start?
Flu activity typically begins increasing in the fall, often picking up in October. Cases commonly peak between December and February, although flu can continue circulating into the spring.
What are the most common flu symptoms in children?
Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some children may also experience vomiting or diarrhea.
How can I tell if my child has the flu, RSV, COVID-19, or a cold?
Symptoms can overlap significantly, so it can be difficult to tell based on symptoms alone. Testing can help determine what’s causing your child’s illness and allow your healthcare provider to recommend appropriate treatment.
When should my child be tested for the flu?
Consider having your child evaluated when flu-like symptoms develop, particularly if symptoms begin suddenly or your child is at higher risk for complications. Early evaluation is also important because flu antiviral medications work best when started within 48 hours of the beginning of symptoms.
Is the flu contagious?
Yes. Influenza spreads easily from person to person. People with the flu are typically most contagious during the first few days of illness, so keeping sick children home and practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene can help reduce the spread.
Who is at higher risk for complications from the flu?
Young children (especially those under age 2) are at increased risk for flu complications. Other higher-risk groups include adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.
When should I bring my child in for flu symptoms?
Consider having your child evaluated for a high or persistent fever, sudden flu-like symptoms, persistent coughing, difficulty drinking fluids, signs of dehydration, worsening symptoms, or symptoms that aren’t improving as expected. Seek immediate medical attention for serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing.
Does Care for Kids offer flu testing?
Yes. Care for Kids offers rapid and molecular testing for Influenza A & B, along with testing for COVID-19, RSV, and strep throat. Most results are available during the visit so our medical team can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Does Care for Kids offer curbside flu testing?
Yes. Curbside testing is available, allowing families to have their child tested without leaving the car. Families can start with an at-home virtual visit and schedule curbside testing when appropriate.
Can the flu be treated with antiviral medication?
Yes. Antiviral medications may be recommended for some children with influenza. They work best when treatment begins within the first 48 hours after symptoms start. Your child’s healthcare provider can determine whether antiviral treatment is appropriate.
At a Glance
- Typical flu season: Cases often increase in October, peak between December and February, and can continue into spring.
- What we’re watching: Australia’s flu season can provide early clues about what may circulate in the U.S. This year, Influenza A has been the dominant type reported there.
- Common symptoms: Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Children may also experience vomiting or diarrhea.
- Why testing early matters: Flu can look like RSV, COVID-19, strep, and other illnesses. Testing can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
- Timing is important: Flu antiviral medications work best when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin.
- Care for Kids can help: We offer rapid and molecular testing for Flu A & B, COVID-19, RSV, and strep, with same-day visits, walk-ins, late hours, and curbside testing available.
Resources:
- “About Influenza.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 Feb. 2026, www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.
- “Treating Flu with Antiviral Drugs.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 June 2026, www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/antiviral-drugs.html.
- “What to expect from the 2026 flu season.” Doherty Institute, 6 May 2026, www.doherty.edu.au/articles/what-to-expect-from-the-2026-flu-season/
- “Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report.” Australian Centre for Disease Control, 14 August 2026, www.cdc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-08/australian_respiratory_surveillance_report_-_27_july_to_9_august_2026.pdf
- “Healthy Habits to Prevent Flu.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 September 2025, www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html
- “Influenza (Flu).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/flu
- “Influenza (seasonal).” World Health Organization, www.who.int/health-topics/influenza-seasonal
