Last Updated: April 3 ,2008

Going, going...but not quite gone! The flu season is clearly winding down but still not out of site. Be sure to check the CDC weekly Influenza activity map as you travel on Spring Breaks and School Vacations the next few weeks - just in case!

Pediatrics Now Flu Page Index

Influenza Activity

Keeping The Germs At Bay

Kids and the Flu

Flu Vaccine Update

Influenza Fast Facts

For More Information: 

CDC Seasonal Flu Home Page

CDC Flu Information for Schools

CDC Flu Information For Parents

Flu Prevention in Childcare Settings

International Influenza Activity

WHO FluNet

European Influenza Surveillance (EISS)

Health Canada FluWatch

United States Influenza Activity

Overall Flu Activity Summary: the flu is finally starting to dissipate but is not gone yet! Be sure to check with your doctor if any one at home develops flu-like symptoms and next year add a flu shot to the list of everyone's back to school check lists.

(click image for most recent update)

Kids and the Flu

The CDC has great information on their web site called The Influenza Vaccine in Kids. Here are the highlights:

Who should get this shot?

Any child 6 months to 18 years with chronic conditions including

• asthma or other problems of the lungs;
• immune suppression;
• chronic kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• HIV/AIDS
• diabetes;
• sickle cell anemia; or
• long-term aspirin therapy;
• any condition that can compromise respiratory function.

Why is it so important that kids get the flu shot?

The CDC reports that an estimated 20,000 children less than 5 years old hospitalized due to flu.  Kids under 2 years of age are the group most likely to get hospitalized. Compared to other age groups, kids ages 2-5 have many more urgent care and emergency room visits for the flu.

How many flu shots does my child need?

The first time a child 6months or older receives the flu shot, 2 doses are needed 4-6 weeks apart. The first dose primes the immune system while the second provides immunity. It can take at least 2 weeks after that second shot for the immune system to be up to speed on battling the flu.

What about infants under 6 months of age?

They are too young for the flu shot and count on all of us to get immunized to keep them protected. 

How long is the flu season?

November to April usually.

When is the best time to get the flu shot?

As early as possible each flu season.

Flu Vaccine Update and Information

It is not too late to get the flu shot if you have not done so. Remember, young kids need two shots so be sure to book the follow up appointment.  

CDC Flu Vaccine Facts and Myths Poster (PDF)

According to the CDC, these groups should be vaccinated against the flu:

1. Children aged 6–59 months
2. Pregnant women
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu:
   • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see list above)
   • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
   • Healthcare workers

Influenza Fast Facts

What is it?

A virus so the infection is usually self-limited. It can take a good 2 weeks to resolved.

Since it is self-limited why do we have to worry?

Good question. Influenza is a really strong virus and gets many people sick each year.

5% to 20% of the population gets the flu each year and over 200,00 people end up in the hospital from complications. The flu also can be fatal and approximately 36,000 people die each year.  Vaccination is our best defense at the moment as well as good hygiene, including staying home from work and school if sick. This is one virus that we have to fight as a community. If we get back to our routines too quickly with the flu, we put many others at risk.

What symptoms could you get?

Fever, body aches, cough, GI symptoms, chills, sore throat, feeling tired, runny nose. You may gets some or all of these.

How can you make yourself or your child feel better?

Lots of fluids and rest; keep the fever down with tylenol or motrin. Call your doctor if GI symptoms are present and you can't stay hydrated.

How can you prevent the flu?

Good hand washing, staying home if you are sick, avoiding sick people.