Pediatricians at Allegheny Health Network are urging families to get vaccinated against influenza and other preventable illnesses amid a severe flu and respiratory syncytial virus season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  has reported doctor's office visits for flu-like symptoms are higher than any peak in the past 15 years.  AHN has seen 2,934 confirmed influenza cases in patients younger than 18 since October, about 700 more than at the same time last year.

"It’s still not too late to get yourself or your child vaccinated against influenza,” said Dr. Joseph Aracri, chair of AHN Pediatrics. “Amid an extremely harsh flu and respiratory winter season, a vaccination can still protect our young and most vulnerable family members against life-threatening illnesses and hospitalization.”

Influenza poses a greater risk to children under 5 and those with chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.  Vaccination protects against both influenza A and B strains, offering continued protection as influenza B typically peaks later in the season.

This year's influenza A strain has been persistent and resistant to over-the-counter and antiviral medications, Aracri said. Symptoms include severe fever, lethargy, fatigue, congestion, muscle aches, and cough.

Parents should contact their pediatrician if a child has an unexplained fever over 100.4 degrees that lasts more than three days, shows signs of dehydration, or has trouble breathing.  For most cases, symptoms can be managed at home with fever-reducing medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

The AHN Women’s Institute recommends influenza vaccination at any time during pregnancy and RSV vaccination between 32- and 36-weeks’ gestation to protect newborns.

Aracri also emphasized the importance of all recommended childhood vaccinations, noting recent measles outbreaks linked to low vaccination rates.