Last Updated: January 30, 2009

Overall Flu Activity: low and sporadic

Pediatrics Now Flu Page Index

Influenza Activity

Keeping The Germs At Bay

Kids, the Flu, and Flu Vaccine Update (newly updated for the 2008-2009 season)

Influenza Fast Facts

International Influenza Activity

WHO FluNet

European Influenza Surveillance (EISS)

Health Canada FluWatch

United States Influenza Activity

The latest flu activity in your area can be found on the following links:

Google Flu Trends
CDC Flu Activity Map

Kids, the Flu, and Flu Vaccine Update

Who should get the flu shot shot?

1. Kids 6months to 18 years
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

Why the change in the flu shot recommendation for kids? 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.

More information on kids and the flu can be found here: The Influenza Vaccine in Kids

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.

For More Information: 
3 Steps to Fight The Flu (CDC)

CDC Seasonal Flu Home Page
Flu Symptom Information (CDC)