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Our Children Died of the Flu. Rolling Back Vaccine Policy Will Kill More Kids.
More than 20 years ago, a small group of parents found one another through unimaginable grief. Each of our families had lost a child to complications from the flu. At the time, the annual flu vaccine was recommended only for children aged 6 to 23 months. Our kids were older. They were healthy. They…
Read MoreThe Impact of Flu on College Students: And How to Take Care of Yourself This Season
College campuses are uniquely vulnerable to flu outbreaks. With shared dorms, crowded lecture halls, busy dining halls, and constant social activity, it’s easy for flu to spread quickly. Add late nights, stress, inconsistent nutrition, and students pushing themselves even when they’re sick, and you have a perfect storm for prolonged illness and complications. This season,…
Read MoreWhat’s Been Happening in the Flu World: Latest Trends + What to Watch
The past few months have been a busy and concerning time in the flu world. After the severe 2024–2025 season, many states continued to report elevated flu activity well into early winter. Hospitals saw surges earlier than expected, and health departments urged families to stay vigilant. Even as COVID and RSV circulated, flu stood out…
Read More2024-2025 PEDIATRIC FLU DEATHS SURPASS PREVIOUS RECORD
Updated reporting from the CDC pushed number of deaths to 289, exceeding 2009-2010 flu season. On the same day that the Department of Health and Human Services announced that multiple vaccines, including the influenza vaccine would now have a downgraded recommendation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s own data shows that the 2024-2025…
Read More“AMERICAN CHILDREN’S LIVES ARE AT RISK”
Following today’s announcement of the changes to the pediatric vaccine schedule by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Families Fighting Flu Executive Director, Michele Slafkosky issued the following statement: “Our organization was founded by families who had young children die of the flu, and today, more than 20 years later, we are devastated to…
Read MoreThe Hidden Burden of Flu on Families: Health, Time & Economics
The 2024–2025 flu season didn’t just bring high case counts and severe illness, it brought a level of financial strain that many families were unprepared for. With widespread outbreaks, record-high hospitalizations, and lingering symptoms that kept people home for days or even weeks, families across the country felt the economic impact in ways that extended…
Read MoreHow the Flu Spreads: The Science Behind a Single Sneeze
A single sneeze may seem like a small act, but when it comes to the flu, it is one of the most efficient ways for the virus to spread. Understanding the science behind transmission can help you take practical steps to prevent infection and protect others around you. How Flu Viruses Travel When a person…
Read MoreFlu Isn’t Taking a Holiday: Why Winter Break is a Prime Time for Illness
The holiday season brings joy, travel, and togetherness, but it also brings something else: a perfect storm for the flu to spread. Between packed airports, festive gatherings, and colder weather keeping people indoors, winter break often sees a sharp rise in flu activity. Understanding why this happens and how to protect yourself can make all…
Read MoreHow to Protect Grandparents and High-Risk Loved Ones This Winter
Winter is a special time for family gatherings, cozy traditions, and moments of connection. It is also a season when flu activity peaks, making it especially important to protect older adults and loved ones who face a higher risk of severe illness. Grandparents, adults with chronic medical conditions, pregnant individuals, and young children are particularly…
Read MoreThe Burden of Flu — The Social & Emotional Costs on Families
The flu’s toll isn’t only medical and financial — it also disrupts relationships, routines, schooling, and mental health. For families, the social and emotional costs can be as exhausting as the physical symptoms. This article explores those hidden effects and offers practical family-centered coping strategies. The Emotional Ripple Effects Routine disruption. Missed school days, cancelled…
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