Flu season typically occurs within the fall and winter months, late September through the end of February – but it can still spread year-round. This means high-risk individuals, like children, need extra protection.
Children and the Flu
Thousands of children get sick with influenza (flu) annually, and while symptoms are moderate for many of them, the illness can be deadly for others. That’s why Dr. Amy Cobb, an internal medicine doctor at University Health, urges everyone to get the flu vaccine every year.
Health Complications From the Flu
Sometimes the flu can enter the lungs, causing a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia. This health complication can last around two weeks or longer, make your symptoms (fever, chills and cough) feel worse and possibly send you to the hospital.
Dr. Cobb says children with a history of asthma are particularly at risk for complications from the flu and are more likely to need hospitalization, oxygen support or even intubation.
Even without complications, the flu causes significant family disruption: children staying home from school and parents taking time off work to care for them.
The Flu Vaccine Is Safe for Kids
Dr. Cobb wants to remind caregivers, the vaccine is very safe for the average healthy child.
“It’s a common misconception that if a child has an egg allergy, they shouldn’t get the vaccine, but that’s not necessarily true. Only those who have had an anaphylactic reaction (a severe allergy) after receiving a flu shot should avoid getting the vaccine. However, if they haven’t had that, the flu vaccine is safe and effective.”
Babies as young as 6 months old can get vaccinated. Kids under age 9 who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time need a booster shot 30 days after the initial shot. After getting the booster once, a yearly shot is all children need.
Benefits of Herd Immunity
In addition to the annual flu shot, it’s important to keep up with your child’s vaccination schedule — this helps with herd immunity.
Herd immunity is when a large portion of a community is considered immune to a virus, making it difficult for that virus to spread. This is often referred to as community immunity because it protects vulnerable members in a community from getting sick.
People vulnerable to infectious diseases, like the flu and COVID-19, include infants who have not been vaccinated yet, the elderly and people with serious pre-existing illnesses.
“Flu vaccines are the most effective way to protect children and others against serious illness,” says Dr. Cobb.
Flu Symptoms
Dr Cobb stresses that while the vaccine may come with a few mild side effects, catching the flu is much more unpleasant. Flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
Children are more likely than adults to experience vomiting or diarrhea. And even if a child has had the flu before with mild symptoms, the severity of the flu strain may be different from year to year.
Avoid Getting COVID-19 and Flu at the Same Time
Just like the flu, COVID-19 appears in different strains every year, but there is also a vaccine to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“If kids get infected with both at the same time, their illness can potentially be more serious,” says Dr. Cobb. “There is a saying, ‘flu before boo,’ so this is an ideal timeframe for getting vaccinated.”
Vaccinations at University Health
Get ahead of flu season and schedule an appointment at any of our health centers located throughout San Antonio.
Our pharmacy locations also have walk-in hours for vaccinations such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
You can also schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to get your child’s vaccinations up to date.
We are offering free flu shots from September through October 2025.
