Flu Cases are Surging in the U.S.: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Family Safe

By: Barry Gelman, MD

Flu season is ramping up, with cases spiking across the United States. It’s important that you’re equipped with the right information, so you can keep your kids healthy.

What’s the Flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. There are several types of flu, but the most common are flu type A and flu type B. Flu type A is typically more severe and spreads faster. Because it changes quickly, a new flu vaccine is needed each year. Flu type A is also responsible for most major flu outbreaks. Flu type B usually causes milder symptoms and tends to affect children more than adults. Kids with chronic medical conditions have a higher risk of complications from flu.

We’re experiencing an active flu season, so if your child hasn’t been vaccinated, now is the time. Anyone 6 months or older can get the flu vaccine. According the American Academy of Pediatrics, while the vaccine doesn’t always prevent the flu, those who are vaccinated are less likely to experience severe symptoms.

Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and can feel worse than a common cold. They include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Sweating and chills

Children may also experience:

• Ear pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Eye pain, watery eyes, or sensitivity to light

Preventing the Spread of the Flu

Kids are great at sharing—whether it’s snacks, toys, or, unfortunately, germs. Here’re some simple ways to help stop the flu from spreading:

• Handwashing: Teach your child to wash their hands often with soap and water, especially before meals and after coughing or sneezing.
• Cover those sneezes: Encourage them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow.
• Keep hands off their face: Flu viruses enter through the eyes, nose, and mouth, so remind kids to avoid touching their faces.
• Disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and shared spaces.
• Know when to stay home: If your child has a fever, keep them home from school or daycare to prevent spreading the virus.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most people recover from the flu on their own, but in some cases, complications can be serious—even life-threatening. Starting antiviral medicine within the first two days of symptoms may shorten the illness and reduce the risk of complications. Speak to your doctor if your child is experiencing any concerning symptoms.

If your child experiences any of the following emergency symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Fast breathing or ribs pulling in with each breath (retractions)
• Gray or blue lips or nail beds
• No tears when crying, dry mouth, or significantly less urine output (e.g., dry diapers)
• Symptoms that improve, but then return with worsening fever or cough

Dr. Barry Gelman is a pediatric critical care specialist and chief medical officer at Holtz Children’s Hospital.