The 2025 flu season is off to a concerning start. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 11 new pediatric deaths in the week ending January 11. This brings the total number of pediatric flu-related deaths this season to 27. Overall, the flu accounted for 1.5% of all deaths during the second week of January.
Children are the most vulnerable to severe flu complications, given their immune systems are still developing and they are constantly in environments where they interact with other children. The recent rise in young deaths highlights the need for families to take preventive measures, including vaccination and early medical care when they notice symptoms appear.
Current Flu Activity and Trends
The CDC estimates that the flu has caused over 12 million illnesses, 160,000 hospitalizations, and 6,600 deaths so far. January’s data shows an 18.8% positivity rate for flu tests, and seasonal activity remains high across most regions in the United States.
While visits to doctors’ offices for the flu appear to be declining, this might not mean that the U.S. has reached the season’s peak. Typically, flu season is at its highest in February.
Common Flu Symptoms and How to Tell Them Apart
It’s very easy for someone to confuse the symptoms of one illness with another. Many common viruses share overlapping features that can make it hard to determine the specific cause. For example, flu symptoms typically include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting or diarrhea (especially in children)
However, the flu isn’t the only illness making the rounds. COVID-19, RSV, and the common cold are also making people sick around this time, and distinguishing between them can be tricky without testing. Some key differences include:
- COVID-19: Symptoms appear later than the flu and include a dry cough, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- RSV: Mild cold-like symptoms for most, but serious for infants, young children, and older adults.
- Common Cold: Typically lacks fever, headache, or significant fatigue, which are signs of the flu or COVID-19.
How Flu Spreads
The flu is mainly spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Touching a contaminated surface followed by touching your face can also spread the virus. This is why it’s important to wash your hands and clean surfaces regularly.
Types of Flu Vaccines
But no matter how often you wash your hands, gaps will remain that the flu can exploit. The best way to combat the flu is by getting vaccinated. For kids, there are a few types of flu vaccines to choose from:
- The inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) is the most common and is given as a shot. It’s safe for kids as young as six months old.
- If your child has an egg allergy, there’s the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV), which is made without eggs.
- For kids who don’t like shots, the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is available as a nasal spray for those aged two and older.
These vaccines are updated every year to protect against the flu strains most likely to spread during flu season.
When to Get Vaccinated
The best time for kids to get their flu vaccine is early in the fall, around September or October. This helps their bodies prepare for flu season, which usually peaks between December and February. However, if you missed the earlier months, kids can still get their flu shot in January or even later. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to fully work, and since flu season can last into the spring, it’s never too late to protect your little ones.
Preparing for the Weeks Ahead
As February approaches, flu activity is expected to remain high. Staying informed, practicing preventive measures, and seeking medical attention early when you notice symptoms are important steps in protecting your loved ones. By staying proactive, families can ensure they stay safe through these peak months and enjoy the beginning of 2025.
Sources:
CDC: Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 2, ending January 11, 2025
National Foundations for Infectious Diseases: Influenza Vaccine Options: 2023–2024 Season
