As you work to prevent the flu, make sure your child's day care or school is doing the same. Flu season in North Carolina runs from October until March, with a peak in January and February.

Before talking to your child's school, talk to his or her pediatrician about the steps day care centers and schools should take to protect their students. If you don't already have a doctor for your child, Angie's List can connect you to a top-rated Charlotte pediatrician. In the meantime, here are some ways your child's school can ensure the least amount of germ transmission:

Proper hand washing

Make sure the school requires children to wash their hands after using the restroom and before eating, using either soap and water or hand sanitizer.

Policies for sick children

Most schools require that sick children stay home for at least 24 hours after they've had a fever. Also, schools should send children home if they develop a fever while at school. Find out how they separate sick children from healthy children. If a child becomes sick at school, the school should have a place away from the other children for them to rest until a parent or guardian arrives.

Cleaning routine

Ask how the school keeps toys clean, as well as other items multiple children touch. At the very least, the school should have a schedule that requires regular cleaning of toys.

You are your child's strongest advocate. If you don't believe the school's policies to prevent illness are stringent enough to prevent the flu, and your Charlotte pediatrician agrees, push for better policies or look for a different school.

For more information about pediatricians, see the Angie's List Guide to Primary Care Pediatrics.