Parents heed doctor's tips on preventing and identifying the flu after word that statewide more than 2,000 children have been hospitalized this flu season.

The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed four children have died from the flu. Statewide more than 2,000 children have been hospitalized.

For Hilliard mom Meredith Wolfe that means she bundles her 3-month-old Lucinda each time she goes outside. Just part of her battle against the flu.

"It is out there and we are making sure to wash every surface all the time to keep it out," said Woelfle. "With big brother being in school, he is around more germs so we try to wash his hands as soon as he comes in and try not to have him get in sister's face or grab her hands."

The teachers and caregivers at Agape Enrichment Academy are working to prevent the spread. They said, like many schools and day cares, they are reminding children to cough and sneeze into their elbows and to wash hands frequently.

Local pediatricians are arming parents with better knowledge on what to do if the symptoms begin.

"We are seeing an increased number of cases of the flu. It was late this year, but we are starting to see a lot more cases," said Hilliard Pediatrics Dr. Rob Snyder.

Snyder explained to parents keeping track of your child's temperature is smart, but watching them even after the fever breaks is crucial.

"Once the fever comes back down, we do expect the children to look better, clinically. They should get up move around and talk with their parents if they're able to talk," said Snyder. "What we do not want to see is fatigue worsening or a child seeming lethargic."

Symptoms of the flu include a cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, bodyaches, headaches, chills and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting