As flu season approaches, health experts are urging the public to take steps to prevent infection and protect vulnerable groups. Dr. Pedro Piedra, professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, provided an overview of updates to this year’s flu vaccine and outlined what individuals should know about symptoms in children and adults.
The 2025-2026 flu vaccine includes a new H3 antigen for influenza A (H3N2), while the influenza B and H1N1 components remain unchanged from last year. The FluMist nasal spray, which contains a live attenuated influenza vaccine, is now available for self-administration by adults and for administration by adults to their children.
“This (FluMist) is now available for self-administration of adults and administration by adults to their children,” said Piedra. “FluMist is only approved for individuals 2 through 49 years of age.”
In addition, the recombinant flu vaccine, previously limited to adults 18 years and older, has been approved for use in children aged 9 years and up. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children, adults, and pregnant women receive single-dose vaccines without thimerosal.
“Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to receive one of the flu vaccine types that are available,” Piedra said.
Symptoms of the flu can differ between young children and older individuals. According to Piedra, it can be challenging to distinguish the flu from other respiratory viruses in children under five due to similar symptoms. In older children and adults, the illness often begins abruptly.
"This can last several days, and you just don’t feel well at all. When you start to recover, it can take a while before you start feeling like yourself,” said Piedra.
Certain groups face higher risks from severe complications related to the flu.
“Flu vaccinations are safe. They have been given to millions of individuals for many years, making them a good way to help maintain health. Getting influenza is not fun, and for some individuals, it’s deadly,” Piedra said. “Flu can go beyond the lungs and affect other organ systems in your body, such as the brain, heart, muscles, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.”
Piedra identified several populations at greater risk: “Young children, particularly those under 2 years of age, are at a higher risk for hospitalization; children and adults with underlying health conditions (heart, lungs, diabetes, obesity, neuromuscular issues, immunodeficiency or cancer); as well as older or elderly adults about 60 to 65 years of age and older.”
He advised those in high-risk categories—or people who interact closely with them—to consult their physicians about how they might quickly obtain antiviral medication if they contract influenza. Early intervention strategies should be discussed with healthcare providers.
