We still have a way to go before the winter season ends, but there seems to be no end in sight to this cold and flu season. This year has been especially hard on families with RSV, COVID-19, and the flu, accompanied by the common cold, creating a perfect storm of illnesses. Three pediatric influenza-related deaths in Tennessee have been reported since the flu season began in October. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 65 influenza-related pediatric deaths so far in the 2023–2024 flu season. This flu season has taken a toll on children, prompting a closer look at the importance of vaccination.
Getting Vaccinated:
Data collected by the CDC on last year’s flu season showed that 90% of the children who died were not fully vaccinated. Vaccines are our best means of fighting off severe flu complications. Children over six months must receive their vaccination during complicated influenza seasons like the one we see. Even if you have infants too young to be vaccinated, parents and caregivers can receive a vaccine, so there is a protection barrier between you and your child.
Recognizing the Different Illnesses:
With various respiratory illnesses circulating simultaneously, distinguishing RSV, the flu, and COVID-19, can be challenging. RSV commonly presents with respiratory distress, wheezing, and fever, primarily affecting infants and young children. The flu typically brings on a fever, cough, and body aches. COVID-19 symptoms in children may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, although they might be milder than in adults. The CDC has a list of symptoms you can review to help you distinguish between these illnesses and help mitigate the spread of contagious illnesses.
For infants and toddlers, recognizing flu symptoms can be trickier. Some signs your infant may be sick include trouble feeding or sleeping and changes in behavior. Severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention include a high fever persisting for days, trouble breathing, chest pain, signs of dehydration, severe headache, and continuous vomiting.
When to Get Vaccinated:
While getting vaccinated before the peak of the flu season is generally recommended, it’s never too late. The respiratory virus season can extend into March or even later. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccinations are available throughout the year, and vaccination against respiratory infections like RSV is beneficial regardless of the specific month. The effectiveness of vaccination can vary, but receiving the vaccine later in the season still provides valuable protection against severe illness, complications, and transmission of these viruses.
Steps to Ensure Everyone is Protected:
In addition to vaccination, adopting good health habits such as avoiding close contact with sick individuals, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and avoiding touching the face can help prevent the spread of germs. Creating a routine around these preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause different illnesses. Adding this with vaccination can increase your chances of getting through this season happy and healthy.
With this tripledemic affecting the community, especially in Tennessee, protecting the youth from illness takes center stage. Vaccination significantly reduces the severity and impact of this cold and flu season. But it’s not the only measure to take. Parents and caregivers should also implement preventive measures and recognize early signs of symptoms to ensure children receive medical attention when needed.
. . .
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protect yourself and others from Flu, COVID-19, and RSV
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report
