(CNN) - Young children are at risk of serious flu complications if not recognized and treated immediately.
One of the flu strains spreading this season, H3N2, is affecting children more than most. That has many people asking why it’s so deadly.
"Sometimes, it’s the virus infection itself that can become so severe in a person that it can result in death. The flu viruses weaken your immune system and you can get a bacterial infection on top of it," explained Dr. Alicia Fry with the CDC’s Influenza Prevention and Control Team
According to the CDC, the best way for parents to protect their children is to get them vaccinated every year.
Recognizing flu warning signs are critical, too. Among them are the following:
- Trouble breathing or breathing fast.
- Has bluish skin color
- Difficulty waking up
- Not interacting or unusually irritable
Early detection could save your child's life.
"As soon as they have symptoms and they suspect they might have the flu, they should call their doctor right away because they could benefit from early treatment with antiviral drugs," Fry stressed.
Copyright 2018 CNN. All rights reserved.
