CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS - Flu season made an early appearance nationwide this year with an increase starting as early as August, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health experts are encouraging families to be prepared now rather than waiting for winter.
For South Texas families, that means now is more important than ever to prioritize preventive care, particularly the annual flu vaccine.
We interviewed Dr. Brenna Parker, a Board-certified pediatrician with MD Kids Pediatrics in Corpus Christi, to answer common questions about flu vaccination, preventing fall illnesses and knowing when children need medical attention.
Q: Flu appears to have arrived earlier this year. What should South Texas parents know?
Dr. Parker: This year, across the country, influenza activity picked up earlier than expected, and Texas is no exception.
This uptick in flu cases is a good reminder for parents to be proactive. The best time to protect your child is before the flu becomes widespread, not after they're exposed. Timely vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect your kids and the entire family against the flu.
Q: Why is it so important for children to get their flu shot now instead of waiting until well into November or even December?
Dr. Parker: Many parents don't realize that the flu vaccine doesn't provide immediate protection. It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protective antibodies.
That means if your child receives their flu shot today, they won't be fully protected tomorrow.
The CDC recommends most people receive their flu vaccine by the end of October so, there's no reason to delay.
Getting vaccinated now not only gives children a better chance of being protected as flu activity increases during the fall and winter and helps makes holiday get-togethers safer and illness-free.
Q: Apart from flu, what other illnesses should parents watch for this fall?
Dr. Parker: Fall and winter bring several respiratory illnesses, including RSV, COVID-19 and common cold viruses such as rhinovirus.
These illnesses share many symptoms, including coughing, congestion, fever and fatigue, which can make it difficult for parents to distinguish between them.
Flu often comes on suddenly with fever, body aches, chills, headaches and significant tiredness. A common cold generally develops gradually, although symptoms can overlap. RSV can be particularly concerning for infants and young children because it can cause breathing difficulties.
The most important thing is to monitor how your child is feeling and behaving rather than trying to diagnose an illness based on symptoms alone. If the symptoms persist, make sure you consult your pediatrician to get the right testing and care for your child.
Q: What should parents do if their child develops flu symptoms?
Dr. Parker: Start by making sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids. Monitor their temperature, breathing and hydration. If flu is suspected, particularly in younger children or those with underlying health conditions, it's important to reach out to your pediatrician promptly.
Prescription antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of flu. They work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptoms, although treatment may still be beneficial later, especially for children at higher risk or those who are seriously ill.
Parents should also keep sick children home from school or daycare. Children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, with their other symptoms improving, before returning.
Q: When should parents seek urgent medical attention?
Dr. Parker: Most children recover from the flu with appropriate care, but parents should be aware of warning signs.
Difficulty breathing, bluish lips, unusual confusion or difficulty waking a child, severe dehydration or seizures require immediate medical attention.
Parents should also contact their pediatrician if a child develops a fever or cough that initially improves, but then returns or becomes worse. This may indicate a complication such as pneumonia or another infection.
Any fever of 100.4°F or higher in an infant younger than three months should be evaluated immediately.
As pediatricians, we'd rather hear from a parent who's worried than have a family delay care when their child needs help.
Q: Besides vaccination, what simple steps can families take to prevent fall illnesses?
Dr. Parker: The basics really do make a difference. Encourage children to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after returning home from school.
Teach them to cover coughs and sneezes, avoid sharing water bottles and utensils, and stay home when they're sick.
Good sleep, balanced nutrition and regular physical activity also support children's overall health. Improving ventilation in crowded indoor spaces can help reduce exposure to respiratory viruses.
I also encourage parents and other family members to get their own flu vaccinations. Protecting children is a family effort, especially when there are infants, grandparents or people with underlying health conditions at home.
Q: What is the most important message you want South Texas parents to remember this flu season?
Dr. Parker: The annual flu vaccine is one of the simplest and most effective tools we have to help protect children from serious influenza complications.
Our goal as pediatricians is not just to treat children when they're sick, but to help families prevent illness whenever possible. A little preparation ahead of time can go a long way toward keeping children healthy, active and in school throughout the season.
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