BIRMINGHAM (Oct.6, 2022) — Doctors at Children’s of Alabama are preparing for what they are calling a “weird” flu season. They say they have already seen more cases than they would typically see this time of year.
“We do know that predictions if you believe in predictions, is that we may have an early flu season which that seems to be holding true,” said Delphene Noland, manager of infection prevention and control at Children’s. “It seems like it is starting a little early than what we would expect it to.”
Doctors say the flu season can sometimes start in September and run through at least March, with cases peaking in February. Over the last two years, because of COVID-19, the United States has not seen a season with a high number of flu cases, which doctors say makes this year’s predictions and early start concerning.
“I would definitely recommend going ahead, signing up and making sure that your children are vaccinated,” Noland said.
The flu is not the only virus doctors are concerned about right now. They say they are also seeing several cases involving respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) since school started.
“We have seen a lot of enteroviruses, just respiratory type stuff, and we know at Children’s Hospital, that’s our No.1 admission on a regular respiratory season, so we are concerned on how the flu is going to affect just our normal respiratory time,” Noland said.
Doctors saw an early surge in RSV cases at the beginning of the year. They say it is possible they could see another surge over the next few months because the typical RSV season occurs in the winter months. RSV affects smaller children, and it is very similar to the flu. Symptoms can include a fever, running nose and a cough. Doctors advise parents to treat the symptoms but if they are concerned, contact a healthcare professional.
Health experts say one of the best ways to avoid getting sick during the fall and winter months is to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccination shots. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. They say most research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows it is OK to take both shots simultaneously.
You can find more information about respiratory illnesses on our website.
