This has been one crazy cold and flu season—and experts are saying flu activity could extend into April or even May. Speaking for myself, I can say that within one month I came down with a cold and something that could have been the flu, although the bug didn’t leave me bedridden for a few days. Family and friends of mine were hit with bronchitis. And the germs that were circulating this winter definitely found a cozy breeding ground in our Kaboose offices in NYC—I don’t think even one employee here dodged a virus this year.

A fellow editor even came down with fifth disease, an infection that typically affects kids. A telltale sign of it is a rash on the cheeks, as well as on the torso, arms, and legs. The cold-like symptoms are generally mild and short-lived, and the rash will fade away. Symptoms in healthy adults can also include joint pain and swelling, but typically don’t lead to long-term complications. (The majority of adults, in fact, are immune to it because they had unknowingly contracted it earlier in life. Grownups may not even develop symptoms.)

The one exception is if you’re pregnant: While a mom-to-be who contracts fifth disease will probably not experience any complications, there is a small chance that it could cause fetal anemia, which could lead to a miscarriage. That’s why if you think you’ve been exposed to fifth disease and you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t panic. But to be on the cautious side, you could contact your physician, who may want to run a blood test.

For more information on fifth disease, check out Fifthdisease.org or this informational fact sheets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Fifth Disease

Fifth Disease & Pregnancy

Coincidentally, because the flu seems run of the mill and fifth disease sounds unusual, the mention of fifth disease can draw attention while concerns about the flu may fall on deaf ears. But couple the fact that we’ve had such a rough cold and flu season (and many missed school days) with the real risks of serious complications that influenza can cause in otherwise healthy, young children, and we now have the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommending that all children from 6 months through 18 years be vaccinated against influenza with some typical exceptions, such as those with severe egg allergies (flu vaccine is grown in eggs).

If possible, given the high demand, the ACIP would like this recommendation to take effect in the upcoming fall, with the start of the 2008 to 2009 flu season. It’s awaiting approval from the CDC’s director and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Currently, the CDC recommends that kids ages 6 months to 8 years get vacinated against the flu.) In addition, the 2008 to 2009 flu vaccine will offer protection against three new strains of the virus.

For helpful advice on dealing with and trying to prevent the cold and flu, check out these Kaboose resources:

Feel-Good Foods: 10 Cold & Flu Fighters

Our Cold & Flu Guide

This health myths quiz even contains cold and flu advice from Carol Baker, MD, a member of the ACIP.