What Parents Should Know About the 2024-25 Flu Season
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. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows very high influenza activity in California and across the country. An American Academy of Pediatrics study also reported that in January, the U.S. saw a 145% increase in influenza-related pediatric hospital admissions compared to earlier this season.
But are flu levels, and severity of symptoms, actually worse than in previous years?
Michael Smit, MD, MSPH, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, breaks down the numbers and shares his expert perspective on what families should do to prioritize their health.
What are flu levels at CHLA relative to its population?
We are currently seeing high influenza activity in terms of the positivity rate for children.
Week by week, the positivity rates range from around 16-18%. These are similar to last year at this time, but higher than the 2021 and 2022 flu seasons.
Is CHLA seeing higher symptom severity?
Anecdotally, we're hearing stories of families saying they’re getting hit hard by the flu this year. 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 CDC only collects data on adult hospitalizations, not pediatric hospitalizations for the flu.
We routinely have patients who require supplemental oxygen and some develop respiratory failure that requires treatment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. This year, we haven’t noted any significant change in severity for our patients.
As of Feb. 1, 57 pediatric deaths from influenza have been reported in the U.S. For comparison, there were 207 pediatric influenza deaths during last year's season.
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
See more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics here.
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. The CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Infectious Diseases Society of America 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?
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.
If you’re sick, it’s best to stay home from work and school, and avoid visiting public places like the grocery store. If your child must visit a public place, consider having them wear an N95 or KN95 mask if they are older than 2.
Your child’s school or daycare likely has specific guidance about when it’s appropriate to return after being sick.
