What you should know
About 5 percent to 20 percent of people in the U.S. will get the flu this year.* The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness—and can even lead to death. There are several different types of the flu in the U.S. Our flu FAQ offers helpful information about the illness including prevention, symptoms and treatment.
I think my child has the flu
You may have heard about rapid flu tests, but the CDC has reported that these tests are not very accurate in identifying flu during influenza season; therefore, Children’s no longer uses the rapid flu test in its hospitals and does not recommend you seek out testing at your pediatrician’s office.
If you think your child might have the flu and are wondering whether you should seek medical assistance, use one of the following resources:
|
|
(en Español) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 No more excuses: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot, so protect yourself and your family by getting a flu vaccine every year to fight off the multiple strains of each season's virus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vaccines for Young Children
The vaccine is for everyone age 6 months and older and is safe for children. Everyone in your family must get vaccinated to protect children who are too young to get the vaccine.
If your child is younger than age 9 and has never received a flu vaccine, he or she will need two vaccine doses to be protected.
Physicians
Children’s has created a tool kit to help community practitioners during flu season.
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011