The Most Child Flu Deaths in 15 Years

TOP OF MIND

Flu me once, shame on you; flu me 216 times, shame on everyone
The CDC just reported that there were 216 pediatric deaths from the flu this season, which is the most since the 2009-2010 H1N1 global flu pandemic.

To make matters worse, the 216 number isn't even the final total. They don't stop counting the numbers until fall when the new season begins, so the number will actually be a little higher.

Experts note this past flu season wasn’t especially virulent, so why were there so many pediatric deaths?

The important bits
It might have something to do with the fact that the flu vaccination rate for children dropped from 64% five years ago to 49% this season. And while the vaccine doesn't always prevent your child from catching the illness, it does do a great job of preventing serious complications.

This is why doctors strongly recommend getting one every flu season, because even if it doesn't block the virus, it'll most likely prevent a severe reaction.

Studies show the vaccine reduces flu-related hospitalizations by 41% in young children and 82% in adults. Vaccinated individuals who get the flu are also less likely to need intensive care.

If you're wondering about underlying conditions in more severe cases, CDC data shows 95% of 5,200 hospitalized adults had one, while only 53% of 2,000 children did, most often asthma or obesity.

What's it all mean?
The flu sucks, but vaccines can make it suck a little less. If you're still worried about vaccines in general, we highly recommend this YouTube series from the fine doctors at Philadelphia's Children's Hospital.

DID YOU HEAR

🤖 The chatbots are coming for your kids
Next week, Google will begin allowing kids under 13 with parent-managed Google accounts to use its Gemini chatbot. The company says kids will be able to use Gemini to do things like help them with homework or read them stories. And while that sounds harmless enough, experts note chatbots haven't been perfected and can still make some alarming mistakes.

🧑‍🏫 This teacher says your kids are unteachable
Kindergarten teacher Emily Perkins sparked some controversy recently when she made a post on Instagram calling out parents. She claims not enough parents are telling their kids "no" and that makes her job as a teacher nearly impossible.

🍄 Mommy needs her 'shrooms
It's estimated that around 15% of moms suffer from depression during or after pregnancy, and sadly, the treatment options can be limited due to the risks of some anti-depressants. But now researchers suggest psychedelic mushrooms could be the safe alternative. Intrigued? More here.

📱 How to make screen time a good time
We'd all like to minimize the amount of screen time our children have, but it seems like with every passing day, that gets harder and harder. It can be difficult to navigate this new world without a screen, but here are 4 ways you can make sure your kid is getting the most out of their screen time. 

🚘 Have you ever seen a car this filthy?
This mom filmed herself cleaning out her minivan, and it's honestly shocking.

DOSE OF GOOD

@accalia_ms

The way he had to leave the frame so he wouldn’t see himself anymore 🤣🤣🤣 dtm on my sons skin he has eczema 🫵 #fyp #fypシ #babytok #funny

BITES WITH KIYAH

Summer is coming, which for me means more time with extended family. And while Grandma means well, the candy before dinner? Not helping.

So this week I’m talking about what to do when family members undermine your family's food goals (or rules). Because it's not just about all the extra sugar. It’s about maintaining your values, building trust, and finding your footing without starting a fight.

Watch the full video here.

BEST MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS UNDER $30

Whether you're shopping for yourself or a special mom in your life, these gifts are budget-friendly AND beneficial.

The Handheld Milk Frother. Let's be honest here… coffee, matcha, hot chocolate—all better with a thoroughly frothed milk. This $20 frother gets the job done and comes with a stand for easy drying.

The Spill Resistant Tumbler. Owala has quickly become popular for their multi-colored water bottles as a fun and more affordable alternative to the ubiquitous Stanley Cup. We love this one for only $23.

The Luxurious Body Oil. Keep your skin hydrated with this delightfully scented body oil from Saltair for only $22. Works great over a body lotion or as a one-and-done!

The Spa-Like Diffuser. Calm all your stress (or as much as possible) with this $27 Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser. It even has 7 different colors to match your mood.

HERE’S A QUESTION

Last week, we asked you if you'd rather have a $5k baby bonus or paid parental leave, and there was a tie for first place between, "Paid leave, please!" and "Why not both?"