Your holidays may have been wonderful, the time off school and work revitalizing, but as your kids returned to their classrooms after the break, things may suddenly seem a little less merry and bright. That’s because my colleagues and I are seeing a surge in seasonal viruses among children.
Flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the common cold are making their rounds, leaving many parents wondering how to keep their families safe and when to seek medical care.
Among the three illnesses, flu is wreaking the greatest havoc. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a “super flu” surge has hit, with more than 15 million cases and over 5,000 deaths reported so far. In California, flu activity levels have been recorded as “high” or “very high” throughout the state, with experts blaming the subclade K mutation, a new flu variant, which emerged after the development of the 2025 flu shot.
There are also many cases of RSV. I’ve even had patients hospitalized over the past couple of weeks with both flu and RSV.
Prevention starts at home
The best defense against winter illnesses is a strong immune system. I tell my patients’ parents to keep it simple — do the things you need to do to keep your kids’ immune systems running as well as they can.
Routine matters more than ever during viral season. Adequate sleep, balanced meals and physical activity help children fight infections. Additionally, encouraging handwashing and limiting exposure to sick people and crowded indoor spaces can reduce the spread of germs.
The flu shot can help
However, it’s essential not to forget the flu shot. While healthy habits are important, vaccines remain a critical tool. The flu shot is good at preventing more severe complications that can come with the flu. If your child hasn’t received their flu vaccine yet, it’s not too late.
For the 2025-26 flu season, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that all healthy children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated to protect against flu. Children 6 months to 8 years of age should receive two doses, four weeks apart, if this is the first time they are being vaccinated against influenza, or if they have only received one dose of flu vaccine ever before July 1, 2025.
When to call the doctor
When it comes to knowing when to seek medical care for a child with respiratory illness, I recommend the following guidelines: If your child is under 3 months old and has a fever, your pediatrician needs to hear about it right away. Once they’re over 3 months, even with a fever, it’s more about how everything else is going — are they breathing well, taking fluids, making enough urine output?
For older children, watch for signs of dehydration, breathing difficulties or persistent high fever. If symptoms worsen or you’re unsure, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician rather than rushing to the emergency room. Children’s emergency rooms can have long wait times during peak season.
While winter viruses may be inevitable, with proper precautions — healthy routines, timely medical care and vaccinations — you can help your family stay safe and minimize disruptions to school and daily life. But remember, if your child is sick, keep them home to prevent spreading illness to others.
Dr. Ahmad Bailony is chief of pediatrics at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.
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