Tennessee is being hit hard by a surge in flu cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting the state’s activity as “very high.” The Tennessee Department of Health has reported the first flu-related child death of the season, and school districts, including McMinn, Polk, and Rhea Counties, have had to close temporarily because of widespread illness. As a parent, this can be concerning. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about the tools and steps available to help protect your child from the flu.
Understanding the Flu and How It Spreads
The flu can easily spread from one person to another and usually spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with people who are already infected. In most cases, you get a headache, fever, and overall feel pretty bad. But it can get even worse than that. If not treated properly, it can lead to severe illness, especially in young children.
One challenge in preventing the flu is that people can spread the virus before they realize they are sick. This means schools, workplaces, and crowded public areas can quickly become hotspots for flu transmission. As we’re seeing, cases in schools can spread rapidly, depending on whether students have been vaccinated.
Preventing the Spread of the Flu
The best thing to do to help prevent the spread of the flu is to get vaccinated. No amount of hand soap — though still important — can match the effectiveness of a flu shot, which not only lowers your risk of illness but also helps stop it from spreading to others you have close contact with. Additional preventive measures include:
● Frequent handwashing with soap and water
● Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
● Wearing a mask if you feel like you’re experiencing symptoms
● Staying home when feeling unwell to prevent the spread of illness
Most kids with the flu recover at home, but in rare cases, the illness can become serious enough to require a hospital stay. When that happens, it’s usually because of severe symptoms like trouble breathing, dehydration, or complications like pneumonia. For adults, especially older adults and those with existing health conditions, the risk of flu-related complications is even higher. A severe case can lead to prolonged hospital stays, intensive care, or the need for oxygen support.
The Importance of Flu Vaccination
There has been hesitation to get the flu shot due to misconceptions, but experts in the health industry emphasize that vaccination is the best way to reduce flu spread and protect people.
Each year, the flu vaccine is developed through global surveillance, strain selection, production, and distribution. The CDC, FDA, and WHO analyze flu activity worldwide, selecting the most likely strains for the upcoming season. Vaccine production begins using egg-based, cell-based, or recombinant technology, followed by FDA approval before distribution.
The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by late September or October for the best protection. Regardless of the time, it’s always best to get your flu shot when you can.
Act Now and Protect Yourself
The best time to get the flu shot is right now. And with the season in full swing, and Tennessee remaining one of the hardest-hit states, it’s the best option parents have to ensure their children stay safe.
Don’t wait until the flu catches you off guard — talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated.
Sources:
Tennessee Department of Health: Tennessee’s Weekly Flu Reports
