A common sentiment you’ve probably heard floating around schools, daycares, and online parenting forums this season: “The flu is brutal this year!”
Flu season runs from October through May, with the worst months being December through February. In recent years, influenza activity, as well as number of hospital admissions and deaths from the flu, have been some of the highest in decades. Children are at highest risk for severe illness.
Michael Smit, MD, MSPH, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, shares his expert perspective on what families should do to prioritize their health during flu season.
Has CHLA seen higher symptom severity in recent years? Anecdotally, we’ve continued to hear stories of families saying they’re getting hit hard by the flu.
That’s a tough thing to objectively measure for a couple of reasons: We don’t have data on the many kids with the flu who never see a doctor, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) only collect data on adult hospitalizations, not pediatric hospitalizations for the flu.
We routinely see patients who require supplemental oxygen. Some develop respiratory failure that requires treatment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
For the 2024-2025 flu season in the U.S., the CDC reported 289 pediatric flu-associated deaths. This was the highest number reported since pediatric deaths started to be nationally counted in 2004.
What flu symptoms should I look out for? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the flu’s main symptoms include:
A sudden fever, usually higher than 100.4°F (38°C) A headache that’s more severe than with a cold Body aches and pains that are more severe than with a cold Chills and sweats Feeling very tired and more miserable than with a cold A dry, hacking cough that’s more severe than with a cold A stuffy or runny nose with lots of discharge A sore throat that’s more severe than with a cold When should I take my child to see a doctor for their symptoms? Reach out to your pediatrician within 24 hours of your first flu symptoms if your child:
Is under 5 years old—and especially if they’re under 2. Has an underlying health condition like asthma, diabetes, sickle cell disease, a weakened immune system, or a neuromuscular condition such as cerebral palsy. In general, it’s a good idea to be seen by a medical professional—whether it’s a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner—if your child:
Has a fever that has lasted more than 3 days Appears dehydrated Go to the emergency room immediately if your child:
Is having difficulty breathing Has a fever of 104 degrees or above Seems unusually confused or not alert when awake How do I keep my child healthy during flu season? The first and best action you can take to keep you and your family safe and healthy during flu season is to get yearly flu vaccines. Health organizations, including the California Department of Health and American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that everyone approved to receive a flu shot get one—including children ages 6 months and older.
Think of the flu shot as preventive care: While getting the vaccine won’t always prevent you or your child from getting the flu, it can prevent severe and secondary illness related to the flu.
It’s critical to get your flu shot each year, as the formula for each year’s vaccine is tailored to the specific type of flu that is circulating.
How can I prevent spreading the flu? Wash your hands: Whether your child has the flu or not, good hand hygiene is essential during flu season. Ensure they frequently wash their hands under water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Stay home when sick: If possible, it’s best to stay home from work and school and avoid visiting public places like the grocery store when you’re sick. Consider wearing a mask in public: If your child must visit a public place, consider having them wear an N95 or KN95 mask if they are older than 2. Consult daycare or school before returning: Your child’s school or daycare likely has specific guidance about when it’s appropriate to return after being sick.
