With flu season in full swing, Alice Rhee, MD, a pediatric hospitalist at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, is urging parents to take preventive measures to protect their children. Amid a nationwide increase in flu-related hospitalizations and complications, Rhee emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination, early symptom recognition, and timely medical intervention.
Flu symptoms in children often resemble those of other respiratory infections, including fever, runny nose, congestion, and cough. However, unique flu-related symptoms such as body aches, chills, and extreme fatigue can be more pronounced in children.
“Young children, especially infants and toddlers, may experience more severe symptoms because their immune systems are encountering the virus for the first time,” she said.
Certain symptoms signal a need for immediate medical care. Parents should watch for signs of extreme fatigue, dehydration, and respiratory distress. If a child is lethargic, not drinking fluids, has sunken eyes, or shows difficulty breathing, parents should seek medical attention right away. Children with underlying conditions like asthma are particularly vulnerable and should be monitored closely.
Rhee strongly advocates for flu vaccination as a critical tool in reducing severe flu cases among children. This season’s flu vaccine is trivalent, covering three major strains: H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B. Each year, flu vaccines are developed to target the most common circulating strains. While effectiveness can vary, last year’s vaccine was about 40% effective overall.
“Even if a child has already had the flu, the vaccine can still offer protection against other strains they haven’t encountered yet,” Rhee said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children as young as six months receive the flu vaccine. Rhee advises parents to vaccinate their children as soon as the vaccine becomes available at their pediatrician’s office.
At Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, flu-related admissions have increased in recent weeks, mirroring a national trend.
According to the CDC, flu-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations have surged, with a total of 98 deaths during the 2024-2025 flu season as of March 6.
“In just one week, I saw three cases of influenza-related myositis,” Rhee shared. “These children experienced such severe muscle pain that they were unable to walk and required hospital admission for IV hydration and monitoring.”
While there is no cure for the flu, supportive care at home can help ease symptoms. Rhee recommends using humidifiers, nasal suctioning, and hydration strategies to keep children comfortable. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help manage fever and pain when used according to weight-based dosing guidelines.
However, she cautions against the use of cough suppressants in young children, as coughing helps clear mucus from their airways. Additionally, parents should avoid giving honey to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
As flu cases continue to rise, Rhee urges parents to take preventive measures seriously.
“Flu spreads easily, and young children are particularly susceptible. A simple flu shot can make a significant difference in keeping them safe.”
For more information on flu prevention and vaccination, parents should consult with their child’s pediatrician.
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