(BPT) - Like many seven-year-olds, Kaden Stevenson was active and healthy, enjoying martial arts and soccer. When Kaden's mom Michele noticed he wasn't his usual energetic self, she assumed he might have a cold or stomach bug. But after four days of rest, he was getting worse, and he was starting to complain that his right leg hurt. As soon as Michele noticed swelling in his leg and the rash all over his body, she took him to the emergency room.

Kaden was airlifted to a children's hospital where a pediatric orthopedic surgeon could relieve the pressure in his leg. He was diagnosed with influenza A and strep. As a complication of influenza, bacteria had entered Kaden's bloodstream, causing him to go into toxic shock. In addition to being at risk of losing his leg, Kaden's heart, liver and kidneys were failing.

Kaden spent two weeks in pediatric intensive care, where Michele learned her son would need both legs amputated due to the infection in his bloodstream. He's lucky to have survived the ordeal. "I thought I might lose him," said Michele.

Kaden has learned to thrive with his new "robot legs," and his family is grateful for the medical team who helped save his life. Michele learned firsthand how critical it is to prioritize annual flu vaccination, and she wants parents to understand the importance of getting their children over 6 months of age to get vaccinated against the flu every year.

"Pay attention to your kids, because it's easy as parents to think we know it all," said Michele. "You know your child, but when they're young, they don't always know how to express themselves. Don't assume you can fix everything on your own."

Not the common cold

Influenza, or the flu, is different from a cold. Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but sometimes flu can lead to complications (such as pneumonia) which can lead to hospitalization and death.¹

Flu may impact each person differently, but symptoms can appear suddenly and include fever (or feeling feverish/chills), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.¹

The flu is very contagious. People can begin spreading flu to others one day before symptoms start, and up to a week after becoming sick - and some, especially young children, might be contagious to others for even longer.² Flu viruses are spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.² Getting a flu vaccination annually can help prevent the flu for both you and your family.

Who may experience flu complications

Flu can impact anyone, of any age, race and gender² - even people who feel healthy - and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age.² However, some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick,² including people 65 years and older, people with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), pregnant women and young children.^2,3

Vaccination is especially important for people across diverse racial and ethnic minorities, who may also be at higher risk for getting flu or developing serious illness.⁴ From 2009-2023, flu hospitalization rates have often been higher among Hispanic, Black, American Indian or Alaska Native adults.⁴ One issue is that people from some racial and ethnic minority groups face barriers to healthcare in general and, specifically, lack easy access to vaccination.⁴

When and where to get protection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect against flu is for everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated annually.^2,5 If you don't have insurance or a primary care doctor, ask your local pharmacist about flu vaccination.

Protecting your family is crucial during flu season - October through May - peaking between December and February.⁶

"The best way your family can stay healthy is by getting a flu vaccination, ideally by late October," said pharmacist and GSK vaccines educator Dr. Leah Smith. "Vaccination doesn't mean you'll never get the flu, but it can lessen the severity of symptoms and prevent flu complications."

If you or a family member is unable to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended, because the flu typically peaks in February, and significant activity can continue into May.⁵

Getting flu vaccinations is typically quick and convenient, so you can help protect your family from the flu with minimal time commitment. Some locations like your local pharmacy may accept walk-ins. Vaccinations are usually free for people with medical insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare, ACA plans and private plans.⁷ Flu vaccinations are offered in healthcare settings including doctor's offices and clinics, but you can also get vaccinations in places like pharmacies, urgent care clinics, college health centers and some schools or workplaces.⁸

Ask your pharmacist or doctor about getting your flu vaccination this season. Learn more about flu prevention at CDC.gov/flu.