Flu season is here in Winchester, but with a few simple strategies, you can protect yourself and your family. Here’s what you need to know.

Get Your Flu Vaccine

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Everyone 6 months and older should get their annual flu shot, ideally in early fall before flu activity peaks. The vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so don’t wait.

Note: Children getting vaccinated for the first time may need two doses spaced four weeks apart.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Handwashing remains one of your best defenses against flu viruses. Encourage your kids to wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—singing a favorite song helps pass the time and makes it more enjoyable.

Key times to wash: before meals, after using the bathroom, after playing outside, and after coughing or sneezing.

Teach Proper Cough and Sneeze Etiquette

Show your children how to cough or sneeze into their elbow rather than their hands. This simple habit significantly reduces the spread of germs. Practice at home so it becomes automatic—many kids find it fun to “catch” their sneeze like a vampire in a cape.

Keep Sick Children Home

We know it’s challenging, but keeping feverish children home from school protects other children and gives your child time to recover. Kids should be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school or daycare.

Support Healthy Habits

A strong immune system makes a difference. Focus on the basics: adequate sleep, nutritious meals, regular physical activity, and plenty of water. These fundamentals help your child’s body fight off infections naturally.

Clean High-Touch Surfaces

During flu season, regularly wipe down frequently touched items like doorknobs, light switches, tablets, and toys. You don’t need to deep-clean constantly—just focus on these hotspots where germs tend to linger.

When to Contact Us

Most children recover from the flu at home with rest and fluids. However, call our office if your child has:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• High fever over 104°F or fever lasting more than 3-4 days
• Signs of dehydration (no tears when crying, significantly decreased urination)
• Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen
• Any concerns that something isn’t quite right

Trust your instincts—remember, you know your child best.

Stay Prepared, Not Worried

Flu season is manageable with the right approach. Get vaccinated, maintain good hygiene, keep sick kids home to rest, and support healthy habits. That’s really the foundation of flu prevention.

If your family does get sick despite your best efforts, remember that rest, comfort, and time usually do the trick and your Night Watch Winchester team is here to help if you need us.

Learn how to keep your kids safe in Winchester’s summer heat! Tips from Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care to beat dehydration & sunburn.

Whether you’re visiting Jim Barnett Park or camping in the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester summers mean outdoor fun. But our region’s heat can lead to dehydration and tick bites — here’s how to keep kids safe.

Tips:

√ Hydrate well for day trips & park visits

√ Use insect repellent & do tick checks after camping

√ Know signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, fatigue

√ Keep sunscreen handy for outdoor sports

√ Carry a first aid kit in the car

When to Visit Us: For dehydration, heat exhaustion, or tick bite concerns, our kid-friendly urgent care is here evenings & weekends. IV fluids available for fast recovery.

Visit Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care in Winchester, VA — we’re ready to help your family stay safe all summer.