Talking Points
What is the Flu?
- The flu is an illness caused by flu viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Anyone can get the flu. However, there are several groups at higher risk for severe illness or complications if infected.
- Flu symptoms range in severity and can include fever, cough, fatigue, headache, and a runny or stuffy nose. The flu can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children.
- Most people who get the flu have mild illness. However, severe cases, particularly among young children and people with underlying chronic disease, can be fatal. As of May 2025, there have been 226 pediatric deaths associated with the flu during the 2024-25 flu season. This is the highest number of pediatric deaths from the flu, in one flu season, over the last 15 years in the United States. Getting the yearly flu vaccine is the best protection against a potentially life-threatening flu infection. All adults should be aware of emergency flu symptoms and complications for adults and children and seek medical care if needed.
Flu Transmission
- A person with the flu can spread the virus when they cough, sneeze, or speak with others from a close distance.
- Less commonly, you can catch the flu by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Flu Vaccination and Prevention
- Vaccination: Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best protection against flu infection, particularly during a severe flu season, for everyone age 6 months or older. Eligibility for who should get different types of flu vaccines is determined by your age, health, and any allergies to the flu vaccine or its ingredients. One ingredient that has received attention recently is thimerosal, as a result of a decision made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in June 2025 related to unsubstantiated claims of its harmful effects.
About Thimerosal
Thimerosal is a preservative used in some types of influenza vaccines. Vaccines are contained in a small glass bottle called a vial, which can either hold a single dose or multiple doses of a vaccine. A single-dose vial is used for a single injection in one person, while a multiple-dose vial contains multiple vaccine doses and can be used for more than one person. Preservatives, like thimerosal, may be used in multiple-dose vials to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi once the vial is opened. Most influenza vaccines are administered from a single-dose vial. Thimerosal is currently only used in multiple-dose flu vaccines. Only 4% of flu doses are packaged in multiple-dose vials.
There is no scientific evidence that thimerosal is harmful or causes autism. In 1999, as a precaution, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Public Health Service agencies, and vaccine manufacturers agreed to reduce or eliminate thimerosal from vaccines. As a result, thimerosal has not been used in any vaccine on the AAP’s childhood vaccination schedule since 2001.
- Other Forms of Prevention: In addition to vaccination, several prevention habits can help protect yourself and others against infection. Washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact with others when sick can offer additional protection.
Flu Treatment
- The flu usually causes mild symptoms that can be treated at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever as needed.
- In some cases, antiviral drugs prescribed by a healthcare provider can make flu illness milder, shorten the time you are sick, and prevent serious complications.
- Contact a healthcare provider if you or someone you are caring for is experiencing severe flu symptoms, such as trouble breathing, seizures, severe muscle pain, or a fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens. Learn more about severe flu symptoms in children and adults.
