The 2023-2024 influenza (flu) season has trended in a traditional pattern across the country this year with 25 million illnesses and 91 pediatric deaths so far. The flu is serious and impacts everyone in our communities. It is still one of the deadliest vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. While the flu is widespread, it can also be treated. Before a patient can receive treatment for the flu, it’s important to be tested to ensure you receive proper care. Knowing your testing options can make all the difference for not just you but for your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Why Te ..read more

If your office is sounding a little sniffly lately it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Flu season is in full swing and respiratory illnesses are sweeping through workplaces nationwide. At Families Fighting Flu, we understand the gravity of the flu’s impact and are committed to empowering individuals and communities to take proactive steps toward prevention.  That’s why we’ve put together these tips to arm yourself and your colleagues with the knowledge and tools to combat the influenza virus effectively. Here are five ways you can help keep your workplace flu-free this flu season: 1. Get You ..read more

We all want a healthier and safer community for our families. At Families Fighting Flu, we believe that ensuring every child receives their flu shot is critical to making that happen. As we continue to navigate the health challenges posed by the 2023-24 flu season, it’s clear that prioritizing preventive measures is necessary, particularly when it comes to the youngest in our families. Below, we discuss why vaccinating kids matters, not only for their health but also for the well-being of the broader community. Flu Shots Protect the Vulnerable Parents and guardians can play a major role in adv ..read more

Kayauna Zabel was a 20-year-old paraprofessional who lived with her husband, brother, mother, and stepfather in Miami, Oklahoma. She called in sick to work and over the next four days she recovered at home—or so she thought.  When she went back to work she began feeling worse, and the next evening, her husband, Preston, took her to the emergency room. The staff did not seem concerned and sent her home with cough medicine. Just three days later, the flu claimed Kayauna’s young life, and the lives of her family members were forever changed.  To make matters worse, Kayauna’s brother, Jo ..read more

With at least 14 million illnesses estimated so far this flu season, the chances that you or someone you know has contracted the flu this winter are high. The prevalent respiratory illness tends to make its presence felt during colder months. While it may feel unavoidable, understanding when you are no longer contagious with the flu can be a key factor in mitigating how easily it spreads to your friends and family.  Below, we’ll explore the timelines of flu contagion and emphasize the importance of taking preventive measures, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant individuals ..read more

Now that the holiday festivities are over it might seem like everyone around you is sick. You’re not imagining things. Peak flu season is here, and, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu positives, outpatient respiratory illness, and flu hospitalizations are all up, too. Whether you’ve entered the new year healthy or with a lingering cold that just won’t quit, consider making this the year you resolve to keep your family healthy with a flu shot.  At Families Fighting Flu, our mission is to educate families about the seriousness of influenza and the vi ..read more

Christa Mitchell was a healthy, vibrant, dedicated wife and mother who was actively engaged in her full-time job and her son’s school and sports activities when she found herself in an unexpected health crisis—the holiday season had brought flu into her family. As her symptoms escalated, she became acutely aware of the gravity of her condition and went to the hospital but was initially sent home. Undeterred, she listened to her body as her symptoms worsened, ultimately saving her own life by returning 48 hours later for the care she desperately needed. Below, we shed light on Christa’s story a ..read more

Winter is here to stay for a while and with it comes peak flu season. As we start the new year there is no better time than now to prioritize your family’s health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven practical tips to help you keep your family healthy and protected from respiratory illnesses like the winter flu. 1. Focus on Flu Vaccination The most reliable defense against complications from the flu is a flu shot. Young children and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable, but as we’ve heard time and time again from our families serious complications from ..read more

The holiday season is in full swing. As we gather with friends and family for festive gatherings and cherished traditions, the last thing on your mind may be getting a flu shot. Yet, amidst the laughter and festivities, making sure your family is vaccinated against the flu is an essential item to check off your holiday to-do list. Below, we share a few stories of people of all ages who faced unexpected health challenges during the holidays due to influenza complications. Amid what should be a festive time of year, these four individuals found themselves grappling with the harsh reality of flu ..read more

As we embrace the holiday season, prioritizing the health and well-being of ourselves and our loved ones often takes a back burner to decking the halls and participating in joy and merriment.  In the spirit of safeguarding against the flu this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched its annual timely awareness campaign, National Influenza Vaccination Week, from December 4-8, 2023. NIVW is a critical reminder that everyone six months and older still has time to protect themselves and their loved ones from influenza this flu season by getting their annual flu ..read more