Dr. Carlenda Smith
Every winter my colleagues and I try to guess what kind of “sick season” we will have. Will there be lots of Influenza or bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncital virus (RSV) or other respiratory viruses? Will there be a lot of children with ear infections or pneumonia? And let us not forget our not-so-new player to the game, COVID-19.
Our sick season started a little later than usual, as we began to see more patients with RSV after Thanksgiving. But in these first weeks of 2025, influenza has taken hold. The CDC reports 57 children have died from influenza-related causes so far this season. More people are visiting their doctor now because of flu symptoms than at any time in the last 15 years.
Also worrisome, we are witnessing something unprecedented: more children with pneumonia this year than I’ve seen in my entire career. This isn't just another routine winter – we’re facing a perfect storm of respiratory threats that are showing tremendous force. I’m seeing numerous cases of pneumonia in children as young as 2-4 years old – an age group that typically shouldn't be this vulnerable. We are seeing several culprits causing pneumonia: A bacteria called pneumococcus and another called mycoplasma pneumoniae, which has roared back into our communities after lying low during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC’s data confirms what my colleagues and I are seeing in our practice: a noticeable surge in cases, only adding to the misery of peak winter season.
As we ride out this season and wait for spring, our best defense against the incoming viruses such as influenza and RSV is vaccines. The science is clear: vaccines work. They are not just shots – they’re shields of protection for your child. We have powerful tools at our disposal such as our annual flu vaccines, updated COVID-19 vaccines, and the groundbreaking Nirsevimab for RSV protection in our youngest patients.
Think of vaccines as your child’s invisible armor. So why leave them vulnerable to these serious respiratory threats? You have the power to act now. You can choose to protect your child before they get sick. Don’t let hope be your only strategy. Take action today. Call your healthcare provider and get your family up-to-date on their vaccines. Because when it comes to your child’s health, prevention isn't just better than the cure, it’s the difference between a winter of wellness and one spent in the hospital.
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Dr. Smith is the president of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.