The flu season in the United States has reportedly peaked and is showing signs of slowing down, but parents should keep their guards up, warned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Flu activity has continued to decrease across the country. However, according to the CDC, a second flu wave may be coming soon, and it could prove to be more severe for young children.
Second Flu Wave Coming Soon
The flu season may have already peaked, but the danger is far from over. According to the weekly surveillance report of the CDC, the previously dominant A-strain H3N2 influenza virus is now appearing less frequently compared to influenza B.
For the period of March 11 to March 17, influenza A strains appeared in 42.5 percent of tested specimens of the flu virus, compared to 57.5 percent for influenza B strains. This is a reversal of the trend in the cumulative data of the CDC since Oct. 1, 2017, with 75.6 percent of specimens testing as influenza A strains and only 24.4 percent as influenza B strains.
This is not a surprising development though as influenza B viruses often strike after the influenza A viruses. Influenza A strains also generally result in more severe illness and hospitalizations compared with its counterparts.
The warning of the CDC is related to the effect of influenza B on kids, as the strain tends to be more severe for younger children, according to CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund. In addition, people who already got sick with influenza A should not be complacent, as it is possible to be infected with both viruses in a single flu season.
How To Protect Your Children From The Flu
The CDC still recommends parents and their children to get flu shots, as vaccination remains the best option for protection against the virus. Experts have warned that babies and children are the most vulnerable to the flu, so having them get the flu vaccine from their doctor remains of utmost importance.
The good news is that influenza B viruses traditionally have a better response to vaccinations compared to influenza A viruses. It is still not too late to get a flu shot, especially with the second wave of the flu coming any time soon.
Parents and their children should also follow the wise advice that was made popular by a nurse who was featured in a video that went viral. "Wash your stinking hands!" said Katherine Smith Lockler, who expressed her frustrations on people's lack of personal hygiene.
