Texas Parents: Is Your Child Protected Before Flu, RSV, and School Illnesses Surge?

As children return to school, daycare, sports, and other activities, exposure to flu, RSV, COVID-19, and common childhood illnesses can increase. Fall is a good time for Texas parents to review their child’s vaccines and make sure they are prepared for the months ahead.

While no parent can prevent every illness, a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of serious infection.

Start With Your Child’s Vaccines

Begin by reviewing your child’s immunization records with their pediatrician. Missed appointments or changes in healthcare providers can sometimes result in delayed vaccines.

Depending on your child’s age, routine immunizations may include protection against:

• MMR

• DTaP/Tdap

• Polio

• Chickenpox

• Hepatitis A and B

• HPV

• Meningococcal disease

• Other age-specific illnesses

If your child is behind on vaccines, their pediatrician can review their records and recommend the appropriate catch-up schedule.

Don't Forget the Flu Vaccine

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for most children 6 months and older, unless their healthcare provider advises otherwise.

Children can experience complications from influenza, particularly those with asthma or other chronic health conditions. Vaccination can also help reduce the spread of flu within households and schools.

The flu shot does not cause influenza. Some children may experience temporary soreness, fatigue, or a mild fever afterward.

If your child has not received their seasonal flu vaccine, speak with your pediatrician about the appropriate timing.

What About RSV?

RSV is common, but it can be more serious for young infants and children with certain medical conditions.

Depending on a baby's age, health history, and the timing of RSV season, preventive options may include an RSV antibody or protection through maternal vaccination during pregnancy.

Parents of infants should speak with their pediatrician about which option may be appropriate.

You can also help reduce exposure by:

• Washing hands before touching the baby

• Keeping sick visitors away from young infants

• Avoiding tobacco smoke exposure

• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces

• Encouraging siblings to practice good hand hygiene

Build Healthy Back-to-School Habits

Vaccines are an important part of prevention, but everyday habits matter too.

Teach children to:

• Wash their hands regularly

• Cough or sneeze into their elbow

• Avoid sharing drinks and utensils

• Stay home when they are sick

• Get enough sleep and stay hydrated

If your child has asthma, allergies, diabetes, or another chronic condition, make sure medications and school health plans are up to date before the school year gets busy.

Know When to Call the Pediatrician

Contact your child's pediatrician if they develop:

• Difficulty breathing or persistent wheezing

• Signs of dehydration

• A concerning or persistent fever

• Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen

• An asthma flare or increased need for rescue medication

• Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking

For babies younger than 3 months, contact a healthcare provider promptly if they develop a fever.

Seek emergency care for severe difficulty breathing, blue lips or face, pauses in breathing, or other signs of a medical emergency.

Your Back-to-School Health Checklist

Before illness season becomes more active:

• Review your child's immunization records

• Ask about the seasonal flu vaccine

• Discuss RSV prevention if you have an infant

• Refill necessary medications

• Update school health or asthma action plans

• Reinforce handwashing and cough etiquette

• Know when to contact your pediatrician

Keep Your Child Prepared This Season

A little preparation can help your family approach the school year with greater confidence.

At Pristine Health, our pediatric team provides routine pediatric care, immunization guidance, flu vaccination, and support for families managing seasonal illnesses and chronic conditions.

If you have questions about your child's vaccines, flu or RSV protection, or back-to-school health, schedule an appointment with Pristine Health today.