Dr. Bob: I am very concerned about the recent increase in the flu. I understand that children can get it, but they tend to have milder cases. What should I be doing to protect them and what to do if they get it?
Answer: Your question is very timely. We are in the midst of a severe respiratory virus season. (The flu strikes the Southern Hemisphere in our summertime, their winter.) The flu is due to a virus, the influenza virus. It is not a bacteria, so antibiotics are not indicated or useful for uncomplicated flu. Antibiotics could make things worse. Let me emphasize several things –
- The flu is an illness with fever, congestion, aches and pains, and a generally miserable feeling.It is more severe in symptoms than a common cold. You know it. It generally lasts for 3-5 days, sometimes lingering for over a week.
- It is usually self-limited (meaning it goes away on its own) and can be milder in children.But I have seen children get quite sick and miserable with the flu.
- There is an anti-viral medicine that can be used under the care of your doctor after the proper diagnosis.It has to be started early in the illness.
- The flu can be deadly.As of early February 2025, 57 pediatric deaths have been reported, and over 28,000 adults died during last year’s season.
- The flu can lead to more serious illness in some people, especially in vulnerable children (very young or those with chronic disease or complex illnesses) and adults (chronic disease or over 65).So, vaccination is so important for folks in these groups.
- Get the flu vaccine for your children ages 6 months and older!There can be a mild reaction to the vaccine. It is the body’s immune reaction taking place and is normal. This reaction does not mean that the shot gave you the flu. This is not a live virus so the shot cannot give you the flu. It will only inject some of the flu proteins so your body can fight the flu next time it sees the virus. These proteins will be broken down.
- The rate of pediatric vaccinations for the flu has been falling recently.Back in 2020, it was above 55% and now it is near 45%. Those numbers might seem pretty good, but they are not. For protection of our children, those rates should be a lot higher.
- Make sure that everyone in the family (and extended family) gets the flu shot!It does not guarantee that you will not get the flu but dramatically decreases the risk of hospitalization or death by over 90%!
- The protection of our children increases when everyone gets the vaccine.
- To protect the children other than with the flu vaccine, make sure to wash hands frequently, teach them how to sneeze into their elbow, avoid others with respiratory symptoms and wear a mask if sick or around those who are sick.
- If they get sick, be sure to check with your pediatrician about possible flu medicine.Since children can get other infections at the same time, a visit to the doctor might be necessary. Push fluids, get plenty of rest and treat the fever as needed.
If we had more widespread vaccination uptake, the flu would not be spreading as much as it is now. Please do your part by getting your immediate and extended family vaccinated. It helps us all.
Dr. Saul is Professor of Pediatrics (Emeritus) at University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville and his website is www.mychildrenschildren.com. Contact Dr. Bob at askdrbobsaul@gmail.com with more questions.