Just like clockwork, flu season comes every year. The worst months are usually from December through March, although cases can occur both before and after those months.

The flu can affect people of any age, but kids, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk and more likely to have serious complications from the flu. Up until now, it was mainly kids considered to be “high risk” who were recommended to get a flu shot each year. But the Centers for Disease Control (CDC for short) has now changed that recommendation.

The CDC now urges parents to get kids of any age vaccinated, because of the recent dramatic rise in cases of influenza that have emptied classrooms and day care facilities. You might be reluctant to subject your child to yet another vaccine, but think about this — kids who get the flu are at high risk as well for flu complications, such as pneumonia and brain infections.

The flu vaccine is safe, even for kids, but any possible risk of mild side effects that does exist is greatly offset by the benefits of staying healthy throughout the upcoming flu season.

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Photo: Centers for Disease Control (PD)