This flu season has been particularly severe. The CDC reports that 216 children in the U.S. have died from flu-related complications, the highest number in 15 years and growing. One likely reason for the surge, fewer kids are getting vaccinated. Flu shot rates among children have dropped significantly in recent years, from about 64% five years ago to just 49% now. While the flu vaccine doesn’t always prevent illness entirely, it usually helps make symptoms milder and shortens recovery time.
What Parents Should Know About the Flu:
- Common Symptoms: Fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and congestion are typical flu symptoms. Kids may also experience vomiting or diarrhea.
- What Causes It: The flu is caused by influenza viruses, mainly types A and B.
- How It Spreads: Flu spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, or even talking. It can also spread when someone touches a contaminated surface and then their face.
- Treatment Options: Most children recover at home with plenty of rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. In more serious cases, especially in high-risk kids, doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs to ease symptoms and shorten the illness.
- Prevention Tips: The best protection is a yearly flu shot. Other habits include regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick people, and keeping sick kids home from school.
As the flu continues to be active, it’s important for parents to be vigilant and take steps to monitor their child’s health. Keeping an eye on fevers can help catch the flu early. Tools like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer make it easy, it’s non-invasive, accurate, and works with just a gentle swipe across the forehead. Catching a fever early means faster treatment and, often, a faster recovery.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
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