Australia faces another record flu season – and children's vaccination rates are alarming | Asha Bowen and Christopher Blyth

Since 2023's influenza season started, children have made up almost 80% of those admitted to hospital

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The 2023 flu season may be one of Australia's largest flu seasons on record and doctors are concerned about its impact on children.

You may have seen headlines warning parents about kindy flu". These can be misleading. This year's flu virus does not target" children. But children are particularly vulnerable for one important reason - low vaccination rates.

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has difficulty breathing (breathing rapidly or drawing in chest or neck muscles)

is vomiting and refusing to drink

is more sleepy than normal

has pain that doesn't get better with simple pain relief medication