Influenza Vaccine: Crucial now more than ever

Influenza is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. 2018 is one of the deadliest seasons in the United States. Vaccination continues to be one of the major measures of prevention. We present two cases of siblings with mild persistent asthma and allergic rhinitis presenting with upper respiratory infection, one secondary to influenza and not receiving the influenza vaccine. A 5 year old Male with mild persistent asthma and allergic rhinitis presented to the emergency department with fever, cough, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. Rapid influenza test was positive for influenza B. The patient did not receive the influenza vaccine. His sister, a 7 year old Female, also with mild persistent asthma and allergic rhinitis presented to the emergency department with fever, cough, and rhinorrhea for 2-3 days. Rapid influenza test was negative for influenza A and B. She received the influenza vaccine. In spite of the annual controversy