Cold and flu season is a challenging time for everyone, especially for parents. Those fall and winter months bring an added layer of stress when moms and dads are not just thinking about their own health, but the health and safety of their children too.

Last year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared a high-severity flu season with increased severe symptoms across all age groups plus high hospitalization rates. Public health agencies also saw a rise in reports of neurologic complications in children with influenza called pediatric influenza-associated encephalopathy and encephalitis.

Last winter in Michigan, 10 children died from flu-related complications — the most since the state began tracking pediatric flu deaths.

Every cold and flu season, I’m asked

See Full Page