Flu Can Be Deadly for Young Victims

Each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from the flu, and 36,000 die, often from high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with chronic health issues.

Although the CDC recommends that anyone who wants to reduce their odds of getting the flu be vaccinated, priority groups include children aged 6 months to 19 years; pregnant women; people aged 50 and older; people of any age with chronic medical conditions; those who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; and those at high risk for flu-related complications such as health-care workers, household contacts of people at high risk for complications, and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children under 6 months (who are too young to be vaccinated).

According to the CDC, flu season varies somewhat each year but can start as early as October, usually peaking in January or after and even as late as March.

"It's hard to say, but in a typical year, we see the first cases usually around December, and things start to pick up when kids go back to school after the Christmas holidays," Treanor said. "Maybe if we could stamp it out in kids, it wouldn't spread to adults."

More information

Visit Families Fighting Flu for more on where to get a flu shot.

Keep the Flu at Bay This WinterExperts say it boils down to hygiene, for the most part, so these tips should lower your risk of infection:Wash your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs and gels kill germs effectively, but ordinary soap and water will also help.Stay at least three feet away from anyone infected with the flu; that is the most contagious zone.Wear a mask if you have to get close to people who might be suffering from the flu.Do not go out in public if you have the flu; avoid both work and school so you don't spread your bug.

SOURCES: Richard Kanowitz, president and founder, Families Fighting Flu; John J. Treanor, M.D., professor, medicine and microbiology and immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York