Posts by Iswarya Desikan
Flu Season 2022 – 2023 In Review
2022-2023 was a flu season like no other. We saw an earlier start to the flu season, higher than usual pediatric hospitalizations and mortality rates, and a ‘tripledemic’ with multiple respiratory viruses circulating. As we experienced challenges, this highlighted the continued importance of fighting the flu and getting an annual flu vaccine. Let’s look at…
Read MoreIs Flu Season Over? Staying Protected Against Viruses in the Tridemic
Spring is here! This time of year, we may start to wonder whether flu season is truly over. While seasonal influenza activity has peaked and remains low nationally, it’s important to remain vigilant in protecting yourself and your family against other circulating viruses, such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Additionally, as news of…
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About the Recommended Childhood Vaccinations Schedule
When you visit your pediatrician, you may talk about the recommended childhood vaccination schedule. Here, we address how the childhood vaccination schedule is made, updates on the current recommendations, and the impact of the recommendations on required immunizations for daycare and school. But first, why do children need vaccines anyway? Vaccines let our bodies learn…
Read MoreVaccine Equity with the Autism Society of America
This April, Families Fighting Flu joins the Autism Society of America to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, recognizing the diverse and varied experiences across the Autism spectrum. The Autism Society of America works every day to create connections, empowering everyone within the Autism community with the resources they need to live fully. With 1 in 36…
Read MoreFlu and Sepsis Facts You Need to Know
There are many complications that can come with the flu, but one of the most serious is sepsis, the body’s life-threatening response to infection. Any kind of infection (including the flu) can cause sepsis.; When sepsis occurs, it is considered a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. According to the Sepsis Alliance, doctors have…
Read MoreRemoving Flu Vaccine Barriers for Ethnic Minority Groups
A recent CDC report showed that flu hospitalization rates were nearly 80 percent higher among Black adults than White adults from 2009–2022. The flu is highly contagious, even deadly, for anyone – regardless of age, race, or health status, and the flu vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu. But the reality…
Read MoreHow Respiratory Viruses (Flu, RSV) Impact Families
Flu and other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are a huge part of our lives that we cannot ignore. They impact our health, disrupt our daily routine, and can even have long-term or fatal outcomes. Flu and RSV are serious diseases, and we are all at risk, regardless of age, gender, health status,…
Read MoreThe History of the Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is safe and has been around for decades. In fact, did you know it dates back to the 1940s and has continued to evolve with medicine over the years? As the vaccine continues to improve, all vaccine ingredients are tested for safety before they are manufactured meaning each vaccine is extremely safe.…
Read MoreFlu Vaccine & Cancer: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Going through cancer treatment is hard enough. It takes a physical and mental toll on all those who are going through it (and their loved ones). Not to mention, after undergoing treatment, there’s always the fear of the unknown about if the treatment worked, and if the cancer will return. One added worry that cancer…
Read MoreFighting Flu Together: Know Your Flu Testing Options
The 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season has been unpredictable, hitting earlier than usual with high rates of hospitalizations across the country, and with more than 115 pediatric deaths. The flu is serious and impacts everyone in our communities. It is still one of the deadliest vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. While the flu is widespread, it…
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