Flu season has arrived earlier than usual, and doctors across the country say it is hitting children hard.
## Early Onset Flu Season
Doctors report that the influenza outbreak began sooner than the typical timeline and is affecting a large number of kids. The surge has prompted emergency departments to fill quickly with pediatric patients.
## Spotlight on Colorado and Michigan
In Colorado, Dr. Suchitra Rao, an infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, told reporters, “I don’t think I ever remember seeing it this severe, this soon,” and added that her emergency department is full of kids coming in with the flu. According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, Colorado is one of the nation’s current hot spots of flu activity.
Michigan is also experiencing a marked increase in cases. Dr. Debra Langlois, a pediatrician at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, remarked, “Flu, flu, flu. So much flu,” and said, “We are inundated.”
## Symptoms and Treatment
Dr. John Schieffelin, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, is seeing a surge in severe cases, especially among children who have not received their flu shots. He noted, “The kids who are vaccinated are doing just fine, recovering at home,” and that the unvaccinated children are the ones being hospitalized.
Langlois reports that her team is encountering classic flu symptoms such as fevers, body aches, and extreme fatigue. She has also observed severe headaches and dizziness in some patients. Her 7-year-old daughter described the feeling as, “I feel dizzy, like I’m spinning when I’m trying to walk.” Dehydration is likely the cause, according to Langlois.
Some children experience gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms could arise from a secondary virus. Children with persistent fevers lasting two to three days should seek medical attention, Langlois advised.
## Tamiflu Demand and Distribution
Pharmacies report a rise in demand for the antiviral drug Tamiflu. When administered within the first 24 hours of symptoms, the drug can reduce recovery time by about a day.
A Walgreens spokesperson said the chain is seeing “very high demand” nationwide. The company had run low on supply but has since ordered additional stock.
The Walgreens Respiratory Index, a weekly online tool that tracks respiratory illnesses, shows that demand for over-the-counter at-home flu tests jumped 61% nationwide over the last two weeks. In New York state, where flu activity is considered very high by the CDC, week-over-week demand is up 23%, and the two-week increase stands at 111%.
Antonio Ciaccia, president of 3 Axis Advisory, said he is hearing from independent pharmacies across the U.S. that they are struggling to meet Tamiflu demand. “We are seeing an early heavy wave of flu cases, which is likely pushing a bit of unexpected pressure on the broader drug distribution channel and its supply,” he said.
Steve Moore, who runs an independent pharmacy in Plattsburgh, New York, said his primary supplier is not experiencing shortages of Tamiflu. His backup supplier, however, is currently out of stock.
Langlois cautions that Tamiflu is no “miracle cure.” The antiviral is authorized for people 2 weeks and older and is most effective when given within the first 48 hours of symptoms. She explained, “The thing to think about for Tamiflu is that it shortens the duration of symptoms by about a day,” and added, “It’s really best reserved for high-risk patients, like patients with chronic lung disease, and young kiddos under age 2.”
## Prevention and Vaccination
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF, discussed expectations for this flu season and how families can protect themselves. Langlois echoed his sentiment, stating, “The best thing is prevention, and that’s getting your flu shot.”
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. Doctors warn that children currently sick with flu could spread it to grandparents and other older adults during holiday gatherings.
Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director for infection prevention at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, advised, “At the risk of being a Grinch, if you have the flu and you actively have fevers, then you should stay home. Don’t go to family gatherings,” he said.
## Key Takeaways
– The flu season began earlier than usual and is disproportionately affecting children.
– Colorado and Michigan are among the nation’s current hot spots, with emergency departments overwhelmed.
– Unvaccinated children are more likely to be hospitalized; vaccination helps prevent severe illness.
– Tamiflu demand is high, and supply shortages are reported by independent pharmacies.
– Prevention through vaccination remains the most effective strategy; the CDC recommends yearly shots for all.
The early surge in flu cases, coupled with rising Tamiflu demand and the emphasis on vaccination, highlights the need for vigilance among families, especially those with young children and vulnerable adults.
