Group of teenagers
Group of teenagers
Group of teenagers
Group of teenagers

Symptoms of influenza may include10:

  • Fever (usually high)
  • Headache
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle aches
  • Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur, but are more common in children than adults

Influenza

"The flu" is the eighth leading cause of death in the US when combined with pneumonia.8

Influenza or "the flu" is not the common cold. It is a serious illness that can affect the lungs. It can become serious enough to keep teens home from school, sports, and other activities. More than 8 million children and adolescents in the US have at least 1 medical condition that puts them at increased risk of influenza-related complications.9 It can sometimes result in a visit to the hospital or lead to serious complications like pneumonia or even death.

Due to the serious nature of this disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that all school-aged children through 18 years of age receive an annual vaccination against influenza.10

On average, 1 out of 5 Americans suffers from influenza each year. Approximately 226,000 people in the US are hospitalized, and an average of 36,000 die from influenza and its complications every year.11

The influenza vaccine (or "flu shot") will help prevent getting sick with the flu and spreading the virus at home, at school, at work, or anywhere. More than 4 out of 5 Americans should be vaccinated every year, including all children 6 months through 18 years of age.10,12 Influenza vaccination typically begins in the fall and continues through the spring.10 You should get a flu shot every year to protect yourself and those around you.

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for10:

  • Anyone who wants to prevent influenza
  • Children 6 months-18 years of age
  • Adults 50 years of age and older
  • Women who are pregnant during the influenza season
  • Adults and children with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, weakened immune system, diabetes, and others
  • Residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes
  • Household contacts and caregivers of anyone in a high-risk group, including children younger than 6 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated
    • Including parents, grandparents, siblings, babysitters, and daycare providers
  • Health-care personnel who come in contact with patients