MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is treating about 300 patients a day with flu-like symptoms.
“It’s spreading really fast,” parent Ashley White said.
White is afraid her 10-month-old and 4-year-old sons may have a tough time avoiding the flu.
It’s especially tough for kids younger than 2 years old.
Jon McCullers, the pediatrician in chief at Le Bonheur, said the flu is hitting the Mid-South hard because of this year’s flu strain, which tends to cause more hospitalizations, and even death.
“It is a little more of a drifted or mutated strain this year. We expect that the vaccine is maybe not going to be as protective as it has been in maybe the last few years,” McCullers said.
Doctors say you should get the flu vaccine regardless.
“Most kids that we see, regardless of how well the flu shots are working from year to year, are ones that have not had the vaccine,” McCullers said.
There are a number of things you and your child can do to avoid getting the flu, including washing your hands for at least 15 seconds.
“The second big piece of advice is if you think you have the flu, call your doctor, get seen early. There are some anti-viral medications that, if it is the flu and not some other virus, can help you get better quicker,” McCullers said.
Good cough etiquette is another helpful tip. You should cough on your sleeve instead of your hands.