Doctors in Kent and Medway are urging parents and carers to make sure their children have a flu vaccine.
This year, two and three-year olds and all primary school children will be offered the flu vaccination, free on the NHS.
For most children, the vaccine is a nasal spray, making administration quick, painless and easy.
Dr Ash Peshen, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “It is important that parents make sure children are protected as they can easily spread the illness among their friends and family. Flu can be a very unpleasant illness in children, causing fever, stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints and extreme tiredness. This can last several days or more.
“Some children can get a very high fever, sometimes without the usual flu symptoms, and may need to seek medical help for treatment. Serious complications of flu include a painful ear infection, acute bronchitis, and lung disease, including pneumonia.
“Parents of children aged two and three should have received a letter from their GP practice with details on how to have the vaccine. Please do take up this offer.
“If all eligible children are vaccinated, we could significantly reduce the number of people getting flu in the wider community.”
Parents should have received an invitation for their two and three-year olds to be vaccinated at their GP practice before the winter. If they haven’t heard from their GP by now, they should contact the practice they are registered with to make an appointment.
More details, including information on community clinics, are on www.getvaccinatednow.co.uk