Why Getting Your Child the Flu Vaccine Can Help Prevent Serious Lung Issues

Girl and doctor with vaccine injection, cotton ball and flu shot on arm for disease prevention in hospital. Woman, pediatrician or nurse and immunity of child against virus.

Cold and flu season is approaching, and smart parents are taking precautions to protect their children’s health. Pediatric flu deaths continue to rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control statistics, with 199 deaths reported during the 2019-2020 flu season and 200 deaths reported during the 2023-2024 flu season.

Tragically, about 80% of children who are eligible for the flu vaccine (for whom vaccination status is known) are not fully vaccinated. Flu vaccines are the most effective way to reduce flu-related deaths and other serious flu-related health problems like lung issues.

Why Is Flu Season More Dangerous for Children?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious viral infection that causes body aches, high fever, and other discomforts. Most people, including most children, recover from the flu in a few days. However, people with other risk factors and children with existing lung disorders can be more vulnerable to the effects influenza has on their lungs’ air passages.

The rise of illnesses such as RSV and COVID-19 during flu season poses additional concerns. Children under the age of 5 have a higher risk of developing complications when they contract viruses because their immune systems have not yet fully matured.

The body’s defensive response to viruses and other contagions is antibodies. The immune system produces these proteins to target specific viruses and destroy them. Every time a person gets an infection, their body “remembers” the virus and knows how to create stronger antibodies.

Children, especially those under 5, have not yet encountered enough viruses to develop a natural defense system. An immature immune system leaves them vulnerable to severe complications.

Lung Issues Caused by Flu

There are four types of influenza. They are identified as influenza A, B, C, and D. Influenza A is the most common, followed closely by influenza B. Influenza A can cause direct (acute) injury to the lungs, and acute injury can lead to secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia.

Two of the biggest concerns when it comes to children and the flu are pneumonia and bronchitis.

Pneumonia

Children with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or a history of immunosuppression diseases like cancer have a greater risk of developing flu-related pneumonia. Children exposed to second-hand smoke also have an increased risk.

Pneumonia is more likely to be diagnosed in children during flu season (late fall and winter) because infections spread more easily when they spend more time together indoors.

There are two types of pneumonia — viral and bacterial. The type of pneumonia caused by influenza is viral. Approximately one-third of all pneumonia cases are viral. Symptoms of viral pneumonia include:

  • Deep, productive cough (large amounts of mucus)
  • Fatigue
  • Chills or sweating
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Chest soreness
  • Paleness
  • Excessive crying and fussiness (in babies and toddlers)

Viral pneumonia symptoms are most likely to appear gradually and worsen with time. If you suspect your child has the flu but they feel worse instead of better as days go by, they could be developing pneumonia.

Seek emergency medical care if your child becomes lethargic, has labored breathing, has a fever over 102°F, or if their lips or fingernails have a blue tint. Discoloration in these areas indicates a lack of oxygenation.

Bronchitis

The symptoms of bronchitis are similar to flu symptoms and can be easy to overlook until the condition becomes serious. Like pneumonia, bronchitis can be viral or bacterial. Flu-related bronchitis is viral.

In healthy adults, viral bronchitis typically does not cause permanent breathing problems. Children with other risk factors, such as asthma, may develop pneumonia or chronic bronchitis.

The symptoms of viral bronchitis include:

  • A deep, persistent cough often producing green, yellow, or clear mucus
  • Chest pain when coughing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Headache and body aches
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat

Viral bronchitis typically lasts 7–10 days, but the cough can linger for several weeks. Call your pediatrician if your child has underlying risk factors like asthma or if their cough lasts more than three weeks. Seek emergency care for fevers that exceed 102°F or if the child has difficulty breathing.

How Does the Flu Vaccine Protect Children?

One concern about flu vaccines is that flu variants are always changing. Parents may neglect to have their children vaccinated because of misinformation about the efficacy of a vaccine against antigenically different viruses.

A new CDC study shows that children who are vaccinated against the flu are protected against serious complications even when the current form of the virus is different from the vaccine virus.

A flu shot helps a child’s body do what nature has not yet had time to do. It stimulates the production of antibodies by introducing inactive virus particles that trigger a defensive response.

The flu shot doesn’t give a child the flu — remember, the virus particles are inactive. Vaccines build a child’s immune system so that if they do encounter the virus, their immune systems will be more capable of fighting influenza naturally.

Helpful Information About Flu Vaccines

Parents are busy people. Most don’t have time to conduct extensive research about vaccinations or know which resources are reliable. These facts may help parents save time and understand the importance of flu vaccinations:

  • Almost every healthy child over six months old can get a flu shot (children with egg allergies may not be eligible)
  • Two doses of flu vaccine are needed for kids getting vaccinated for the first time
  • The best time to get a flu vaccination is early in the fall before flu season
  • Getting a flu vaccination at any time will still reduce the risk of flu-related complications
  • It may take up to 14 days for antibodies to develop after a vaccination
  • Flu vaccinations should be received yearly
  • Children can get a flu vaccination at the same time they are receiving other vaccinations
  • Vaccines are available in nasal sprays as well as injections

Flu vaccines are the best way to prevent the flu and the complications it can cause. To safeguard your children even further, practice frequent and proper hand washing, and keep them home from school if you suspect they have a cold or flu.

Protect Your Child From Flu-Related Lung Complications With a Flu Vaccination

Colds and flu are common illnesses that most children recover from quickly. However, kids with certain lung disorders and other medical issues are at higher risk for developing serious and even potentially deadly complications from the flu. The best way to help protect against these complications is by getting a flu shot every year. Make an appointment at Newport Children’s Medical Group to ensure your child receives their flu vaccination this season, helping to keep them healthy and safe from flu-related illness.