WASHINGTON -- For most people, the flu is something to be endured for a few days, but sometimes, it can be deadly.

Almost two dozen children across the country have died from the flu so far this season.

Six years ago, Jessica Stein was a healthy, happy 4-year-old. She loved her younger brother, Barbies and princesses.

Stein got the flu, and just when she was recovering, she had a relapse.

"I said, 'Something's very wrong.' Her hands are very cold. She doesn't have a fever, but she started breathing a little bit heavier," said Doris Stein, Jessica's mother.

Within 72 hours of the relapse, Jessica Stein died. The flu virus had spread to her heart and caused it to stop working.

"Jessica. She was a beautiful, healthy child," her mother said. "You never think that your child is going to die from the flu."

Three of the 22 children who have died from the flu this season are from the Midatlantic region.

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During the 2003-04 flu season, one of the worst on record, 153 children died.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recommended on Wednesday that everyone under age 18 get vaccinations to prevent another deadly season.

Previously, only children 6 months to 5 years old were told to get vaccinated.

"The more people who are susceptible to influenza who are vaccinated for influenza benefits the public health," said Joseph Campos of the Children's National Medical Center. "But the other side of the coin is, there's often only a limited number of vaccines available."

Campos, a microbiologist, tracks the number of children diagnosed with flu at Children's National Medical Center. While he said the new recommendation will help, he said he is concerned it could create a shortage.

The new guideline could mean that 30 million more children will get vaccinated, putting a strain on the supply.

"Then we may not have enough vaccine to protect people in high-risk groups," Campos said.

Doris Stein said she believes her daughter would still be alive today if she had gotten her flu shot.

"That's what I don't think people realize, is that it is preventable. All it takes is a flu shot," she said. Even though this year's vaccine doesn't cover the most common flu strains infecting Americans, doctors said a flu shot can lessen the severity of an infection.

More Information:

• Families Fighting Flu