Pediatric Influenza Transmission
Todd Wolynn, MD, talks about the spread of influenza among children and their communities.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Todd Wolynn, MD.
In this discussion, the speaker highlights children as significant contributors to the spread of influenza, often referring to them humorously as "cootie factories." The vulnerability of kids to the virus is attributed to their immunological inexperience in the early years, frequent close contact in childcare, preschool, and school settings, as well as participation in large group activities. The lack of stringent hygiene practices among children, such as nose-wiping and coughing in close proximity to others, further facilitates virus transmission. The speaker emphasizes that studies consistently identify children as key drivers of influenza spread within communities. Closure of schools, witnessed during the pandemic, is shown to effectively slow down virus transmission. Additionally, vaccination programs targeting young age groups, from preschool to elementary school, play a crucial role in reducing influenza transmission within communities, ultimately protecting parents, caretakers, and the broader population. The combination of a highly infectious virus and susceptible children amplifies the ease of infection and transmission.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by Contemporary Pediatrics editorial staff.
Infant RSV hospitalization rates 28%, 43% lower this season vs pre-COVID seasons
May 9th 2025"These findings support Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendations for maternal vaccination or nirsevimab to protect against severe RSV disease in infants," wrote the MMWR study investigators.
