The holiday season countdown is on — a time for family gatherings, festive traditions, and many long-awaited travel plans. Whether you’re heading to a snowy wonderland, visiting relatives across the country, or maybe escaping the cold to a warmer destination abroad, one thing is certain: travel during the holidays can significantly increase exposure to infectious diseases. Before you head out, there are a few things you should consider attaching to your packing list.

The Reality of Holiday Travel and Disease Spread

Christmas travel is one of the busiest times of the year. Airports, train stations, and buses are packed with travelers from all walks of life, often from different regions or countries. Crowded spaces like these create ideal conditions for transmitting viruses and bacteria.

Typical scenarios where infections spread during travel include:

● Airports and Airplanes: High-contact surfaces like security bins, handrails, and airplane seats can harbor germs for hours.

● Enclosed Spaces: From packed terminals to crowded holiday parties, close contact with others increases the risk of airborne infections like flu or COVID-19.

● Seasonal Illness Spikes: Winter is prime time for respiratory viruses, including RSV, influenza, and the common cold.

● International Travel Risks: Visiting regions with different disease prevalence can expose your family to illnesses like measles, whooping cough, or meningitis.

What Vaccinations Should Your Child Get Before Holiday Travel?

Vaccinations are the best gifts during the holiday season. They give you the defense you need to ensure your body is ready to fight against preventable diseases. For children with developing immune systems, staying current on vaccines is crucial to reduce the risk of serious illness. There are many vaccines to consider getting before taking flight:

● Flu Vaccine
Flu season peaks during winter, coinciding with the holiday travel rush. Flu vaccination can help prevent infection or, at the very least, reduce the severity of symptoms if your child does catch the virus. To maximize protection, getting vaccinated at least two weeks before traveling is best.

● COVID-19 Vaccine
If your child is eligible, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is just as important as the flu vaccine. This becomes even more important when visiting crowded destinations or traveling internationally, where the chances of exposure to the virus may be higher.

● Routine Childhood Immunizations
While preventable, diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella continue to pose risks in some regions, particularly during international travel or large holiday gatherings. Ensuring your child is current on routine vaccinations like the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is essential. Take a moment to review your child’s immunization records to confirm they’re fully protected against these common illnesses.

Planning Ahead: How to Make Vaccination Easy

Getting your child vaccinated before holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful. There are only a few things to consider:

1. Check Their Vaccine Record: Consult your child’s pediatrician or local health clinic to ensure their immunizations are current.
2. Schedule Early: Aim to complete vaccinations at least two weeks before travel, as some vaccines take time to provide complete immunity.

A Healthy Holiday Season Starts With Prevention

The joy of Christmas travel shouldn’t come at the cost of your family’s health. Vaccinating your children allows you to focus on creating memories instead of worrying about fevers or doctor visits. This season, give your family the protection and peace of mind they need to enjoy the holidays.

Sources

CDC: Travelers’ Health

CDC: Holiday Travel Tips

School is a crucial time for every child’s development. It’s a place where they learn new things, form friendships, and explore the world with like-minded peers. Behind the scenes of this growth, one essential factor ensures their well-being and ability to thrive: vaccination.

In Tennessee, the 2022–2023 school year marked a significant achievement, with an impressive 95.4% immunization rate among kindergartners — well above the national average of approximately 93%. While not overtly visible throughout the year, this success is an achievement to strive for every year to ensure that children can enjoy their time at school. However, while we wait to see what trend Tennessee has this year, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already indicated that the 2023–2024 school year continued declines in vaccination coverage.

The Challenge of Declining Rates

While Tennessee’s rates have been commendable for that specific year, the broader national picture presents a cause for concern. According to the CDC, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners decreased across all reported vaccines during the 2023–2024 school year. Coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) dropped to 92.3%, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates declined to 92.7%. Exemptions also increased from 3.0% to 3.3%.

When vaccination rates drop, multiple diseases can spread simultaneously, making diagnosis more challenging, straining healthcare systems, disrupting schools, and increasing severe illness rates. Measles, a highly contagious but preventable disease, can rapidly spread in areas with low vaccine coverage. Seasonal influenza poses a significant yearly threat while emerging COVID-19 variants remind us of the need for ongoing vaccination efforts. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has also surged recently, causing severe illness in young children and older adults. This overlap of illnesses can overwhelm hospitals, increase school absenteeism, and potentially lead to complex health challenges beyond the reach of existing vaccines.

Why Vaccination Matters

Vaccines are among the most effective tools for preventing disease. While measures like washing hands, covering your mouth when coughing, and staying home when sick can help reduce the spread of infection, none are as effective as vaccination. With vaccination rates declining, exemptions on the rise, and increased global travel just around the corner, the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases spreading in our communities is real.

In Tennessee, maintaining and improving immunization rates is especially critical. In 2024, the state reported its first measles case since 2019. Although the case was isolated, it serves as a stark reminder of how easily a disease like measles can be contracted and potentially spread.

A Shared Responsibility

Tennessee’s immunization success in 2022–2023 is an achievement worth celebrating — one that reflects the collective effort and serious commitment to combating disease. However, with national immunization trends for 2023–2024 showing a decline, gaps in the system could leave communities vulnerable as 2025 begins.

The best way to address this is to review your child’s vaccination schedule and book an appointment. Ensuring Tennessee meets national immunization goals contributes to the state’s health and the well-being of communities across the U.S.

Sources:

CDC: Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates Among Children in Kindergarten — United States, 2023–24 School Year

CDC: Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption from School Vaccine Requirements Among Children in Kindergarten — United States, 2022–23 School Year

Tennessee Department of Health: Tennessee Department of Health Confirms First Positive Measles Case in the State Since 2019

While it can happen at almost any time of year, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is starting to be detected more frequently as we move into the colder months. RSV is a common virus that can severely impact young children if the proper steps aren’t taken. While it can be mistaken for the common cold, RSV can escalate into more serious conditions, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding how our immune system combats viruses like RSV is crucial for prevention and care, especially if you have young children.

What is RSV, and Why is it Significant?

RSV primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as a runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In most cases, RSV resolves without significant complications. However, for infants — especially those born prematurely or with underlying conditions — it can lead to severe illnesses that may require hospitalization.

Strengthening Immunity Against RSV

While the immune system can fight off RSV, there are certain ways to strengthen it and enhance its ability to fight infections:

● Vaccination: Staying up-to-date with available vaccines, such as those for influenza and COVID-19, indirectly reduces the burden on the immune system during viral season. RSV vaccines are currently in development and show promising results.

● Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and wearing masks in crowded or high-risk areas can prevent virus transmission.

● Healthy Lifestyle: Proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise bolster overall immunity.

● Management of Chronic Conditions: Children with asthma or other respiratory illnesses should follow a plan to reduce the risk of severe RSV outcomes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If an RSV infection progresses to symptoms like difficulty breathing, dehydration, or significant lethargy, immediate medical care is necessary. Parents of young children should watch for signs such as persistent wheezing, bluish lips, or grunting during breathing.

Essential Vaccines for Children

This time of year, it’s essential to prioritize vaccines that protect children from serious illnesses, helping strengthen their immunity, especially as the risk of disease increases. Key immunizations include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects against three highly contagious diseases. Without vaccination, these illnesses can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, or even death. Thanks to the widespread use of the MMR vaccine, measles — a former leading cause of childhood mortality — has been significantly reduced globally.

While vaccines have eliminated measles in many parts of the world, cases have recently resurfaced in the U.S. Similarly, whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine protects against a dangerous bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing, respiratory distress, and life-threatening complications, particularly in infants.

The Importance of Staying on Schedule

Maintaining vaccination schedules is another important step in ensuring children’s immune systems are up-to-date. Vaccines are administered strategically to maximize effectiveness, and delaying or skipping doses can leave children exposed to preventable diseases during critical developmental periods. Timely vaccination has led to some of the greatest public health achievements, including the global eradication of smallpox and the near-eradication of polio. Maintaining high vaccination rates ensures we can continue combating other dangerous diseases and limit the risk of children becoming ill or needing hospitalization.

As we approach cooler temperatures and the season when illnesses become more common, it’s important to stay informed about circulating viruses and how to prevent them. This knowledge can help keep children and families safe throughout the coming months and during the holiday season.

Sources:

CDC — Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

WHO — Immunization

American Academy of Pediatrics — RSV

It’s that time of year again — when you’re making your list, checking it twice, and braving crowded shopping malls as everyone hunts for the perfect gifts for their loved ones this holiday season. With chilly temperatures driving people indoors and crowded malls filled with holiday shoppers, the conditions are perfect for spreading illnesses. Close contact with others, combined with shared surfaces and seasonal viruses like the flu and colds, makes this time of year a peak period for getting sick. Amidst planning, decorating, and celebrating, one essential task to put on your list is ensuring your child is vaccinated.

The Gift of Protection

Winter is the peak season for illnesses like the flu, the common cold, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and COVID-19, especially with family gatherings, travel, and crowded festivities. While some may dismiss their symptoms as minor illnesses that will pass on their own, it’s important to remember that influenza alone is responsible for an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory-related deaths globally each year.

This is why ensuring children are up-to-date on their vaccines is important. Vaccination provides peace of mind by helping to prevent serious illnesses, reducing the stress of dealing with sick days, and ensuring the virus doesn’t spread to others. To make vaccination part of your holiday routine, it’s important to:

1. Plan ahead: Book your child’s appointment at a local clinic or pharmacy early.
2. Integrate it into your schedule: Combine vaccination appointments with other errands.
3. Create a positive experience: Offer small rewards, explain the importance of vaccines, and bring distractions like a favorite toy.

Addressing Coughs, Colds, and Common Concerns

Vaccines are the best defense against illness but don’t guarantee 100% protection. Even with immunity, there’s a small chance of getting sick, especially if the vaccine’s effectiveness is lower for certain strains or if your immune system doesn’t respond strongly.

While most colds in children are mild, they can still add to the holiday stress. It’s natural to want quick fixes like cough or cold medicines, but most children recover independently, and medications rarely speed up recovery.

Some over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can have serious side effects, especially in infants and young children. However, there are safer options to consider:

● Non-drug treatments work well: Encourage plenty of fluids, use saline nasal drops or sprays, and try a cool-mist humidifier to ease congestion.

● Use medications cautiously: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with fever or discomfort, but always follow dosage instructions. Avoid over-the-counter cold medicines for children under 4 years old.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While most sniffles and coughs don’t require a trip to the doctor, some symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. Call a healthcare provider if your child experiences:

● A fever of 100.4°F or higher in infants 2 months or younger or 102°F in older children.

● Labored breathing, including wheezing or visible ribs with each breath.

● Severe headache, ear pain, or signs of dehydration.

● Worsening symptoms or unusual lethargy.

A Holiday Free of Worry

It’s a busy time of year, and the last thing you want added to your list is a sick child. Prioritizing your child’s health will help ensure they can participate in all the celebrations without worrying about getting sick. Whether through timely vaccinations or managing colds effectively, your efforts will keep the holidays merry and bright for the whole family.

So, as you check your list twice, don’t forget to add health to the top.

Sources

Who: Influenza (Seasonal)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Should You Give Kids Medicine for Coughs and Colds?

CDC: Immunization Schedules

Parades, football, and full bellies — families are eagerly counting down the days until Thanksgiving. But if you’re traveling, you might experience more than just food comas this holiday. This season often brings illnesses due to increased respiratory illnesses, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). These viruses are often spread more easily in crowded indoor spaces, making it especially important for families to protect themselves and their loved ones. One of the best ways to do that is by getting vaccinated.

Vaccination Timing

Time is important, whether cooking a turkey or scheduling vaccinations. If you missed the early fall push for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, don’t worry; it’s not too late. Health experts recommend getting vaccinated ahead of the holidays, as respiratory viruses tend to spread more rapidly with increased travel and indoor gatherings. The CDC emphasizes that the two-week period leading up to Thanksgiving is ideal for getting your flu and COVID-19 shots. This is because the body needs time to build immunity, which takes about two weeks.

COVID-19 cases tend to rise in the winter, starting around Thanksgiving and peaking in January. This winter surge often coincides with the start of flu season, which typically begins in November or December and peaks in January or February. As both viruses spread simultaneously, it can become confusing because they share similar symptoms. If not treated, this could result in severe illness, especially for those who are unvaccinated.

Why Vaccination Matters

Both COVID-19 and the flu can be serious, particularly for young children and pregnant women. The CDC urges everyone aged six months and older to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot. These vaccines can offer protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. While they may not prevent every illness, they have been proven to reduce the severity of infections.

According to the CDC, only 45% of adults received a flu vaccination last year, and just 23% received a COVID-19 shot. Given that COVID-19 still claimed more lives than the flu last year, it’s clear that this vaccination should be part of your routine immunization schedule.

The Importance of RSV Vaccination

It’s not only the flu and COVID-19 that impact the holidays. Another virus to be aware of is RSV, which can be particularly dangerous for young children. RSV is known for causing severe respiratory illnesses and hospitalizations each winter. The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for those 75 and older and those aged 60–74 at increased risk. Pregnant women are also encouraged to get vaccinated to protect their newborns during the fall and winter months. Data shows that only 24% of seniors received the RSV vaccine last year, highlighting the need for more people to seek this protective measure.

Vaccine Options:

Flu Vaccines: This year’s flu vaccine targets two Type A strains and one Type B strain. For people 65 and older, high-dose shots and special immune-boosted options are available.

COVID-19 Vaccines: The updated COVID-19 shots offer enhanced protection as this strain continues to evolve and are available to everyone aged six months and older.

RSV Vaccines: The RSV vaccine is recommended for older adults, pregnant women, and those at increased risk. It’s a one-time shot that protects for the season.

Put Your Family First This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is a special time that marks the beginning of the holiday season and the start of cooler weather. As you prepare the turkey, take a moment to prepare your body for the illnesses that circulate during winter. Getting vaccinated is quick and easy, and it only takes a little time to help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalizations this season. This holiday, focus on making memories, not dealing with illness.

Sources:

CDC: Influenza, Updated COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Coverage Among Adults — United States, Fall 2023

CDC: Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses Prevention

John Hopkins Medical: COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know

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: Flu and Children

CDC: New Grim Milestone for Flu Pediatric Deaths Set

CDC: Flu Burden

CDC: Flu Deaths in Children Last Season Reach 199, Matching Record

In 2023, tuberculosis (TB) cases saw a significant rise, with new diagnoses reaching an estimated 8.2 million, up from 7.5 million cases the previous year, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO). This marks the highest number of TB cases since monitoring began in 1995. This rise has now put TB, once again, as the leading cause of death from infectious diseases, surpassing COVID-19 in 2023.

TB Trends in the U.S.: Case Rise Following COVID-19 Disruptions

The United States has experienced a resurgence in TB cases, with a 16% increase in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of rising diagnoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 9,615 cases, the highest since 2012. Previously, TB had been on the decline for nearly three decades, reaching a low of 7,171 cases in 2020. A majority of cases found in the U.S. cases come from latent TB reactivation rather than recent transmission, with foreign-born individuals making up 76% of new diagnoses in 2023.

Impact on Children: The Growing Threat of TB in Youth

As TB cases rise, children become more at risk of both latent and active TB infection. When a child is exposed to TB, there are two possible outcomes: inactive TB (latent TB infection), which can reactivate later in life, or active TB disease, which can cause serious health complications if untreated.

Inactive TB

In some cases, TB germs can live in a child’s body without causing illness. This is known as inactive TB or latent TB infection. Children with inactive TB aren’t sick, don’t show symptoms, and can’t spread TB to others. However, they risk developing active TB if the infection isn’t treated.

Active TB

Active TB disease occurs when the immune system can’t prevent TB germs from growing. Children with active TB often feel unwell, showing symptoms like coughing, weakness, fever, and weight loss. Active TB is contagious and can spread to others through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or even sings.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to more severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis (TB affecting the brain) and miliary TB (TB spread throughout the body). Without treatment, active TB disease can be fatal, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

Symptoms of Active TB Disease in Children

TB symptoms vary depending on which part of the body is affected. When TB affects the lungs, children may experience:

● Persistent cough

● General fatigue or weakness

● Weight loss or growth issues

● Fever

● Night sweats

How TB Spreads

TB is an airborne infection that spreads when a person with active TB of the lungs or throat releases the bacteria by coughing or speaking. These germs can stick around for hours, especially in areas with poor ventilation. However, children are less likely to spread TB to others due to lower lung bacteria levels.

Vaccination and the Importance of Protecting Children Against Tuberculosis

The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is widely used to protect children against severe forms of TB. However, it’s rarely used in the U.S. because rates are usually low. In areas where TB is more common, administering the BCG vaccine at birth or in infancy significantly lowers a child’s risk of developing serious TB complications.

The BCG vaccine is typically given as a single injection in the upper arm. Mild side effects are common, like redness or a small sore at the injection site. In rare cases, children may develop a small abscess or experience swollen lymph nodes near the injection area. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Future Challenges and The Need to Stay Informed

The resurgence of (TB) as a global health threat, despite the availability of preventive and treatment tools, highlights the urgency of addressing potential future challenges. Combating TB requires a sustained commitment to early diagnosis. By staying informed, parents can strengthen efforts to control and ultimately eradicate TB, ensuring children won’t need to deal with this disease in the future.

Sources:

World Health Organization: Tuberculosis resurges as top infectious disease killer

CDC: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine for Tuberculosis

CDC: Tuberculosis in Children

The United States has seen an increase in cases of H5 bird flu, also known as avian influenza. This disease has gained attention due to its spread across wild birds, poultry, dairy cattle, and even a small number of human cases in the U.S. While there are currently no recorded cases in the state of Tennessee, it’s important for families to stay informed about the situation, particularly regarding the safety of children.

What is H5 Bird Flu?

H5 bird flu is a type of influenza that affects birds but can occasionally spread to other animals, including dairy cattle and humans. Since early 2024, the U.S. has seen several outbreaks in poultry flocks, widespread infections in wild birds, and a growing number of cases in dairy herds across several states. There hasn’t been human-to-human transmission of the H5 flu, but the virus has affected workers in the dairy and poultry industries because of their direct exposure to infected animals.

As of October 2024, there have been 27 reported human cases of H5 bird flu in the U.S., with 16 of those cases confirmed to be the H5N1 strain, which can potentially cause severe illness in humans. Thankfully, none of these cases have been in Tennessee, but the situation could turn if people aren’t cautious.

How Can It Affect Children?

While children have not been confirmed as infected so far, they are at a higher risk due to their developing immune systems. The chances of getting infected increase if a child spends time on farms, lives near areas with wild bird populations or comes into contact with poultry or dairy cattle.

Parents should monitor their children’s interactions with wild birds, domestic animals, and potentially contaminated surfaces, especially if they visit rural areas or farms. The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with birds and animals that may be infected and practicing proper hygiene, such as handwashing, after being outdoors.

If your child does come into contact with an infected animal, some common symptoms will appear:

● Fever

● Cough

● Sore throat

● Muscle aches

● Shortness of breath

In severe cases, bird flu can lead to complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure, or even death. Parents should seek medical help if their child shows any symptoms, particularly after possible exposure to birds.

Vaccines Part in Protecting Children

While no routine vaccine for bird flu is available to the general public, specific vaccines have been developed for strains like H5N1, which are used in outbreak situations or for high-risk populations. Vaccination is essential for bird flu and preventing the spread of other diseases during outbreaks.

Researchers are continuously developing new vaccines that could provide broader protection against bird flu viruses. Parents can help strengthen their children’s immune systems by getting the seasonal flu vaccine. This precautionary measure will reduce the risk of seasonal flu and potential complications if they are exposed to other viruses like bird flu.

Why is All This Important to Know?

It is important for parents to read and understand the current situation, as it will provide essential knowledge to protect their children from potential exposure to H5 bird flu. While the current public health risk is low, simple preventive measures — such as avoiding contact with wild birds, handling food safely, and practicing good hygiene — can reduce the chances of infection.

Parents can also help protect their children by staying aware of how the virus spreads, especially if they live in rural areas, visit farms, or are near wildlife.

Should We Be Worried?

For now, the risk to the general public, including children, remains low. Continuous surveillance data shows no unusual flu activity, and there has been no evidence of person-to-person spread of H5N1. In Tennessee’s agricultural community, managing animal health is crucial. Tennessee is not only one of the top beef-producing states; its agricultural production represented 4.4 percent of the total state GDP in 2022. Families need to do what they can to ensure this disease doesn’t spread on their farms and through their family groups.

Sources:

CDC: H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Avian Disease

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture: Economic Impact of Agriculture