As the colder weather is here and children typically spend more time indoors and in close contact, it’s common to see a rise in cases of respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We have also seen what we now recognize as a seasonal rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the summer. Those combined with back-to-school season make it particularly important to stay vigilant with your child’s health and vaccinations.
Jennifer Duchon, MD, DrPH, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, offers ways you can keep your child protected and discusses vaccination recommendations.
“Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are our most important tools for preventing these viruses and their complications,” says Dr. Duchon. “Staying up to date on vaccinations is critical to safeguarding not only ourselves but our most vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”
In addition, there are practices you can teach your child to prevent the spread of viruses. It’s recommended that everyone follow these tips:
- Wash hands often and with soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and sneeze into a tissue.
- Avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- If you are sick, try to stay home.
- Keep kids at home when they are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces often.
“Recently, there has been a lot of information and ‘disinformation’ about vaccines in general, and information that seems conflicting can be very confusing. The vaccines that we give to children are safe and prevent serious complication from the disease that they target,” Dr. Duchon says. “The best place to get information is your pediatrician or other health care provider who cares for your family, and whom you trust. Part of our job as physicians is answering your questions, so please do not hesitate to ask.”
COVID-19
Though COVID-19 cases are much lower than during the pandemic, there are still cases that arise throughout the year, and it’s advised that parents remain cautious.
Some symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough, shortness of breath, congestion and fatigue. Symptoms may be similar to a cold or the flu, so it’s important that if your child presents any symptoms, they get a test to determine the best course of treatment.
It’s recommended that children over six months old receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they have received doses of earlier versions. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are aimed at protecting people from the latest strains of the virus. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are similar to earlier versions, relying on the same “messenger RNA” or “mRNA” technology and are expected to remain effective as the new strains emerge throughout the year.
RSV
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people, but can cause very severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, in very young infants and elderly people. The RSV “season” typically starts in October in the Northeast, and cases tend to reach a peak in December. Babies and young children are more at risk to develop severe RSV.
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than one year of age. Additionally, most of the deaths or severe disease from RSV occur in infants up to six months old.
The most at-risk groups are premature infants; infants younger than six months of age; children younger than two with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease; children with weakened immune systems; and children who have neuromuscular disorders.
Early symptoms for infants and children include a runny nose, eating or drinking less, or a cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing. Very young infants may display irritability, decreased activity, eating or drinking less or apnea (pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds).
There are two immunization strategies available to protect infants. Babies and some young children may receive an immunization containing an antibody against RSV (passive immunization) called nirsevimab. Nirsevimab contains monoclonal antibodies, which are man-made proteins that protect against RSV. Studies on the U.S. population have shown that this immunization reduces the risk of severe RSV disease by approximately 80 percent. It’s recommended that infants less than eight months of age get this immunization between October and March.
Additionally, pregnant mothers may receive an RSV maternal vaccine (active vaccination), Abrysvo®, at weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. When a person receives this vaccine, their body responds by making antibodies that protect against RSV. These antibodies are then passed to the baby. This vaccine is more than 80 percent effective in preventing severe RSV disease through three months of age and about 70 percent effective through six months of age. Immunization is recommended between September and January.
Speak to your health care provider to learn more about these vaccines and choose the right option for you.
Influenza
Children younger than five, and especially those younger than two, are at a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. Children of any age with certain chronic health conditions are also at a higher risk. While children over five are not at a higher risk, they can spread the flu to vulnerable groups, such as older family members. Also, children who catch the flu will feel miserable.
It’s recommended that children over six months old get vaccinated, not only for their own protection, but to protect those around them. There are two types of vaccine options currently available: the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine. Speak to your child’s health care provider to find out which vaccine would be right for your child. It’s recommended to get vaccinated between September and October, but vaccination can occur any time if your child has not gotten the flu vaccine yet.