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Early Flu Season Is Here: Protect Your Family Against the H1N1 Strain

This year's flu season is already off to an unusual start. Health experts are watching a rise in influenza A (H1N1), a different strain from the one that dominated last winter. Researchers are also studying changes in the virus that could affect how it spreads. Here's what that means for individuals and families.

What's Different About the 2026–2027 Flu Season?

H1N1 Is Leading the Way

Last winter, influenza A (H3N2) caused most flu cases. This year, H1N1 has been the most common strain identified in early testing. H1N1 isn't new. It's been circulating for years, but the viruses continue to change.

Flu Season Started Earlier

Flu cases typically peak between December and February. This year, some parts of the country began seeing increased flu activity as early as late summer. That doesn't necessarily mean we'll have a worse flu season, but it does mean we ought to take precautions.

What Flu Symptoms Should Parents Watch For?

Flu symptoms often come on suddenly. Your child might seem fine in the morning and feel miserable by the afternoon. Common symptoms include:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough or sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headache and body aches
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Vomiting or diarrhea, which can be more common in children

Not every child with the flu develops a fever. And because other viruses can cause similar symptoms, a flu test may help identify what's making your child sick.

How to Keep the Flu From Spreading Through Your Family

When one child comes home sick, it can feel like only a matter of time before everyone catches it. Fortunately, a few habits can help lower the risk.

School-Age Kids

  • Wash hands well after school.
  • Remind kids not to share water bottles, utensils, or food.
  • Teach them to cough or sneeze into their elbow.
  • Keep sick children home until symptoms are improving and they've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medicine.
  • Make sure everyone eligible is up to date on their annual flu vaccine.

Families With Babies

Babies younger than 6 months cannot receive the flu vaccine. They also face a higher risk of serious flu complications. If you have a baby at home, take extra precautions:

  • Ask family members and caregivers to get vaccinated.
  • Have older siblings wash their hands before touching the baby.
  • Avoid kissing the baby's face or hands when someone is sick.
  • Keep sick siblings away from close contact.
  • Improve airflow by opening windows when practical or using an air purifier.

Does This Year's Flu Shot Still Work Against H1N1?

Yes, getting vaccinated is still one of the best ways to reduce the risk of flu and its complications. The 2026–2027 flu vaccines include protection against H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B. Researchers are continuing to study how well the vaccines match the viruses circulating this season.

Get Your Flu Shot at Ogden Clinic

Flu shots are available at all Ogden Clinic family medicine clinics. They're recommended for adults and children ages 6 months and older, including pregnant patients.

The flu shot is safe during any trimester of pregnancy and can even help protect your newborn during their first months of life.

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Even when a vaccine isn't a perfect match, vaccination can still help protect against serious illness and hospitalization.

Flu vaccines are recommended annually for children ages 6 months and older. Some children ages 6 months through 8 years need two doses, at least four weeks apart, depending on their vaccination history.

Your child's pediatrician can help determine what's needed.

When do I need to go to urgent care?

Most healthy children recover from the flu with rest, fluids, and care at home. But some children need medical attention sooner.

Call Your Child's Healthcare Provider Promptly If:

  • Your child is younger than 5, especially younger than 2, and develops flu symptoms.
  • Your child has asthma, diabetes, or another condition that raises the risk of complications.
  • Your child is having trouble drinking enough fluids.
  • Symptoms are getting worse instead of better.
  • You're concerned about your child's breathing, fever, or behavior.

If your child has the flu, their provider may recommend an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir). These medications work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

For babies younger than 3 months, a temperature of 100.4°F or higher requires immediate medical evaluation.

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Ogden Clinic's pediatric and family medicine providers are here to help your family navigate flu season. Flu shots are now available at our family medicine clinics and we've opened extended weekend and evening hours for urgent care. Stay safe out there!