Flu Season Warning: Protect Kids’ Health for Family Meals
Health experts are urging families in Malta to prioritize flu vaccines, particularly for children, amid a challenging flu season driven by an early emergence of the influenza A(H3N2) strain. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health highlights that even healthy children can face severe complications from the flu, such as pneumonia and sepsis, making vaccination essential. With Malta’s strong tradition of family gatherings and dining, flu prevention measures are critical to protecting vulnerable loved ones during shared meals and celebrations. The flu vaccine, which is painless and administered as a nasal spray for most children, offers high effectiveness in reducing hospital visits and community transmission. Experts emphasize the importance of pairing health-focused practices, such as vaccination and nutritious eating, to maintain well-being and enjoy Malta’s cherished culinary traditions safely throughout the season.
Title: "Health Experts Highlight Importance of Flu Vaccines Amid Challenging Season"
As Malta embraces its vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle, health experts are urging families to prioritize flu vaccines, particularly for children, to safeguard their health during what is expected to be a severe flu season. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has emphasized that even children who appear healthy can experience serious complications from the flu, underscoring the importance of prevention.
While the island is known for its fresh air, wholesome cuisine, and outdoor activities that promote overall well-being, the flu can disrupt this balance, making flu vaccines an essential step in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the current flu vaccine offers strong protection, with a 70% to 75% effectiveness rate in preventing hospital visits for children aged two to 17. For adults, the vaccine is reported to be 30% to 40% effective, despite the emergence of a new influenza strain driving early cases across Europe.
Experts have identified a “drifted” influenza A(H3N2) strain, known as subclade K, as the dominant cause of flu cases this year. Health leaders warn that flu activity has started unusually early, with hospital admissions among younger children already reaching levels typically seen in December. In Malta, where family gatherings and dining traditions are deeply rooted, flu prevention measures are critical to protecting not only individual health but also the collective well-being of loved ones.
Dr. Helen Stewart, RCPCH officer for health improvement, explained: “This year is shaping up to be a particularly bad flu season, with rates much higher than last year’s at this time. Changes to the circulating virus mean people are more vulnerable to infection. Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect against severe illness.” She added, “Children can become very ill from flu, even if they are otherwise fit and healthy. Flu isn’t just a bad cold—it can lead to pneumonia, sepsis, and, in extreme cases, even death.”
For parents in Malta, ensuring their children get vaccinated not only protects them but also safeguards elderly relatives and vulnerable family members who may be exposed during shared meals and celebrations. Dr. Stewart noted that thousands of children are hospitalized due to flu every year, and vaccination reduces the risk of severe complications. She shared a personal anecdote: “Last year, as a busy parent myself, I missed the email to consent for the flu spray at school. It’s easy to overlook, but it’s so important to stay proactive.”
Fortunately, most children are eligible for the flu vaccine, which is administered as a painless nasal spray. The RCPCH has developed an informative fact sheet for parents to address common concerns and explain the benefits of immunization. In Malta, this information can be a valuable resource for parents striving to balance work, family, and a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Andrew Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma and Lung UK, highlighted the importance of vaccination for children with lung conditions like asthma. “Families should take steps to protect their children from flu, especially if they have respiratory conditions. Flu vaccination is vital to reduce risks during the winter season,” he stated.
The flu vaccine’s effectiveness in children also plays a pivotal role in reducing community transmission. Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist for immunization at UKHSA, said, “High vaccine effectiveness in children strengthens the case for ensuring all eligible young people get vaccinated. Protecting children helps stop flu from spreading to others in the community.”
For Malta’s restaurant-goers and food enthusiasts, the flu season serves as a reminder that health is the foundation of enjoying the island’s culinary treasures. Whether savoring a hearty bowl of vegetable soup, loaded with immune-boosting ingredients, or indulging in Malta’s iconic lampuki pie, pairing good nutrition with flu prevention can help families weather the season with vitality.
The flu vaccine is not only a tool for personal health but also a way to preserve Malta’s cherished social fabric, where meals bring people together and create lasting memories. By making flu vaccination a priority, families can ensure they continue to enjoy these moments safely and healthily, embodying the island’s commitment to longevity and wellness.