Symptoms: Fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme fatigue, stuffy nose and body aches. Symptoms can appear quickly and put you in bed for several days.

How is flu different from a cold? A cold generally stays up in the head while the flu brings body aches, fever and fatigue. With a cold, children often keep up with normal activities. With the flu, they often feel too sick to play.

If you're feeling sick: Stay home, rest and drink fluids.

If your child is sick: Same as above, but call a doctor or clinic if something doesn't seem right.

Go to the emergency room if: The child is breathing rapidly or with difficulty, has bluish skin color, becomes dehydrated, does not wake up or interact, is irritable and doesn't want to be held, or gets better only to fall sick again.

To prevent spreading flu:

• Get vaccinated.

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer; clean door knobs, phones and other surfaces.

• Keep infants away from individuals who may be sick as well as large crowds.

Source: State Department of Health