Flu Cases Rising: Protecting Infants, Seniors, and High‑Risk Loved Ones

Flu activity is rising across the U.S., and experts expect elevated transmission to continue for the next several weeks — possibly into the spring. For families in Glendale and the greater L.A. area, now is the time to take a few simple steps to help keep the flu out of your home, protect vulnerable loved ones, and recognize symptoms that need immediate care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates this season has already caused at least 11 million illnesses and 120,000 hospitalizations nationwide, with activity expected to remain high for weeks.

Start with vaccination for the most vulnerable

Even when circulating strains change from year to year, the flu vaccine is still expected to help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older (with rare exceptions).

“The flu shot isn’t just about avoiding a few miserable days — it’s about lowering the chance of serious complications, especially for seniors, young children, and anyone with a weakened immune system,” shared Dr. Dmitriy Gen, family medicine specialist and Ambulatory Medical Officer at Adventist Health Glendale.

Vaccination is especially important in households with:

Adults 65+
Children under 5 (especially under 2)
People with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
Pregnant women
Immunocompromised family members

Important for new parents: Babies under 6 months are too young for a flu shot. The best protection is “cocooning” — making sure parents, siblings, and caregivers are vaccinated and take extra precautions.

Everyday prevention tips

Vaccination is the foundation, but the flu spreads fast — especially in shared spaces. These habits can help reduce the chance of getting sick or passing it along:

If someone in the home is sick

Stay home while contagious. Return to normal activities only when symptoms are improving and you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
Create “zones,” if possible: give the sick person a separate room/bathroom and keep infants, seniors, and immunocompromised loved ones apart when you can.
Masking can help when caring for someone sick — especially around higher-risk family members.
Clean high-touch surfaces daily: phones and tablets, remotes, door handles, faucets, refrigerator handles, light switches, and car door handles.
Improve airflow: open windows when possible and consider air filtration.
Hydrate and rest: dehydration can become dangerous quickly in young children and older adults.

Protecting infants, seniors, and immunocompromised loved ones

Limit close contact with anyone who has symptoms (fever, cough, chills, and body aches).
Don’t share cups, utensils, towels, or pillows.
Ask visitors to reschedule if they feel even mildly ill.

If you get sick, ask about treatment

Many people recover at home, but early treatment can matter for those at higher risk. Prescription antiviral medications may help reduce how severe the flu becomes and shorten illness — especially when started as soon as possible (ideally within about 48 hours of symptom onset). If you’re high-risk, contact your doctor promptly.

When to seek emergency care

The flu can lead to serious complications. Seek emergency care right away if symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or if the person is hard to wake or struggling to breathe.

“The flu can worsen quickly in older adults, infants, and people with chronic conditions. If breathing becomes difficult or symptoms suddenly escalate, that’s a reason to seek urgent care,” advised Dr. Anthony Cardillo, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Glendale Adventist Emergency Physicians. “If you’re in a higher-risk group, don’t try to tough it out for several days — early evaluation can help determine whether antiviral treatment is appropriate.”

Emergency warning signs in children

Fast or troubled breathing
Bluish lips/face
Chest pain
Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears)
Seizures
Fever above 104°F not controlled by medicine
Any fever in infants under 12 weeks
Symptoms improve, then return/worsen

Emergency warning signs in adults

Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
Persistent chest or abdominal pain/pressure
Persistent dizziness/confusion
Seizures
Not urinating
Severe weakness/unsteadiness
Symptoms improve, then return/worsen (especially with chronic conditions)

24/7 Glendale emergency care with specialized older adult care

Adventist Health Glendale’s emergency department is open 24 hours a day and is GEDA-accredited (Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation) — supporting specialized diagnostics and care designed around the needs of older adults.

Bottom line: Flu cases are rising right now, but a few steps — vaccination, smart prevention at home, early treatment conversations, and knowing the warning signs — can make a meaningful difference for your family and our community.