Children Under 5 and the Flu

What Parents Should Watch For

Young children, especially those under the age of five, are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to severe symptoms that can lead to hospitalizations—and in some cases, life-threatening conditions like pneumonia, dehydration, or high fever-related seizures.

As a parent, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference. Early flu symptoms in kids often appear suddenly and can include a high fever, chills, fatigue, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, vomiting, or diarrhea. Unlike the common cold, the flu tends to escalate quickly and can leave children feeling very ill in a short amount of time.

The good news? The flu vaccine offers strong protection. For children aged six months and older, it significantly lowers the risk of getting the flu and reduces the severity of symptoms if they do become ill. Vaccinated children are also less likely to be hospitalized, and less likely to spread the virus to other high-risk groups, like babies too young to receive the vaccine or elderly family members.

Getting the flu shot is safe for kids and is updated each year to match the most common flu strains. Many pediatricians and clinics offer it alongside routine checkups, making it convenient for busy families. If your child is receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, they may need two doses a few weeks apart to build full immunity.

As flu season approaches, make it a priority to protect your little ones. Talk to your pediatrician, schedule their flu shot, and stay informed. A small step now can prevent a big scare later.

Because when it comes to your child’s health, prevention is always the best protection.