Flu cases rise among kids, plus how to prepare a 'flu box', according to an ER doctor

Flu and RSV cases among young children are starting to rise in the U.S. ahead of the holiday season.

As of Monday, Dec. 2, 14 states -- Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin -- were reporting moderate levels of respiratory illnesses, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, flu season in the U.S. typically occurs in the fall and winter. A 2018 CDC study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases found that children younger than 18 are are the most likely to get sick from influenza, a type of respiratory virus, and "are more than twice as likely to develop a symptomatic influenza virus infection than adults 65 and older."

According to the CDC, most experts believe flu viruses "spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk."

"These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby," the agency states. "Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes."

Here's how to prepare for the season ahead.

What causes influenza (flu)?

The flu is caused by various influenza viruses that impact the respiratory system. For the 2024-2025 flu season, the CDC expects the dominant influenza viruses in the U.S. to be "an A(HIN1) virus, an A(H3N2) virus, and a B/Victoria lineage virus."

What are common flu symptoms?

Symptoms of the flu can vary but per the CDC, they may include fever or chills, a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea. The latter two symptoms are more common among children with the flu.

What is the flu incubation period and when are you most contagious?

Individuals with the flu can spread the virus to others. According to the CDC, the incubation period can last between one and four days. The first three days of an infection tend to be the most contagious period.

The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for nearly everyone 6 months and older in the U.S. every flu season, except those with a severe, life-threatening allergy to any ingredient in a vaccine or the flu vaccine specifically.

What months are considered flu season?

The flu is most active between the fall and winter months. During the 2023 to 2024 flu season, CDC reports showed that national flu activity started to increase in October 2023 and didn’t start to decline until mid-April 2024.

What can you do to prepare during flu season?

Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and a mom, shared in a TikTok post what she keeps on hand at home to stay prepared for flu season.

Her top items include:

Disposable vomit bags

Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen in multiple forms, including chewable tablets, liquid form or suppositories

Digital Thermometer

Zyrtec or a similar second-generation histamine for allergic reactions or hives

A portable pulse oximeter to measure heart rate and oxygenation

Packs of electrolyte powder

Cough suppressants and oral anesthetics including those in lollipop forms

Saline nasal mist

A squeeze bottle kit for over-the-counter saline solutions

A saline inhaler

Nasal saline drops with a suction bulb