You might be noticing people around you are getting sick, especially children. The cause is the flu, with the CDC reporting a slight increase in cases among kids and confirming the first pediatric flu-related death of the 2024–25 season. It’s still early in the season, so parents need to stay informed about the risk the flu poses to children and the steps they can take to keep their families safe. While national flu activity remains relatively low, some early trends are worth noting.
Pediatric Flu Trends and Vaccination Gaps
It’s a tragic milestone for the CDC to report this season’s first influenza death. This comes after a record-breaking 200 pediatric deaths in the previous season, many of which occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated.
Flu vaccination rates among children have declined, with only 53.9% vaccinated last season. This is a drop compared to pre-pandemic years. This decline is concerning because the flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of medical visits by two-thirds and cut the risk of hospitalization in children in half.
How Parents Can Take Action
It’s recommended that everyone aged six months and older receive their annual flu shot by the end of October. According to the CDC it’s important for:
● Young children: Kids up to 8 years old receiving their first flu shot may need two doses for full protection.
● Older adults: Those over 65 should consider a higher-dose flu vaccine for better protection.
How the Flu Vaccine Works
The flu vaccine is administered in the arm. Once it enters the body, it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, proteins that help the body recognize and fight the flu viruses. These antibodies take up to two weeks to take effect and protect against the specific strains of flu viruses included in the vaccine.
The flu vaccine is designed annually to target the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season. There are different types of flu vaccines, such as inactivated vaccines (made from killed viruses), live attenuated vaccines (containing weakened viruses), and recombinant vaccines (made without using the flu virus itself).
This vaccine undergoes several tests before it’s given to the public. Its yearly effectiveness can range from 40% to 60% when matched to the circulating strains. While the vaccine may not always prevent infection, it significantly reduces the severity of illness, the risk of complications like hospitalization, and the likelihood of flu-related deaths.
The Bigger Picture
Flu activity tends to rise during fall and winter, peaking between December and February. However, the virus circulates year-round, and its impact varies seasonally. Over the past decade, the flu has caused up to 41 million illnesses, 710,000 hospitalizations, and 51,000 deaths annually.
Parents should note that the flu is not the only respiratory virus circulating. Several other viruses, such as RSV and COVID-19 get thrown into the mix at this time of year.
Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy
● Get vaccinated: Flu shots are widely available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and clinics.
● Stay vigilant: Encourage good hand hygiene and keep children home if they’re unwell.
● Know the signs: Watch for flu symptoms like fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.
The flu can be unpredictable, but recognizing the signs early and taking preventive measures can help you manage the risks and avoid complications. Vaccinating your children, whether it reduces their risk by 40% or 60%, can make a significant difference as they participate in more indoor activities and interact with other children. With the flu season in full swing, we all must take responsibility for preventing the spread of illness, especially as we prepare to gather with family and friends during the upcoming holidays.
Sources:
CDC: New Grim Milestone for Flu Pediatric Deaths Set
CDC: Flu Deaths in Children Last Season Reach 199, Matching Record
