More about Flu Vaccine

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can lead to severe health conditions like secondary bacterial infections and pneumonia, but fortunately, the flu vaccine will help protect your child.

The CDC reported that 2018 was one of the deadliest flu seasons, killing many children between October and May. About half of the children who died were otherwise healthy. Thousands more were hospitalised.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

As a practice, we always recommend an annual flu vaccine – why? Because influenza is a highly contagious, nasty virus, and some kids die yearly from the flu (80% OF WHOM DID NOT RECEIVE THEIR ANNUAL FLU VACCINE). The best medicine for influenza is preventing the influenza virus with an annual influenza vaccination.

With a flu vaccine, we help protect a child from this severe infection and your entire family against this potentially dangerous virus (kids are often the ones to transmit the virus to you and other family members). The annual influenza vaccine helps your child’s immune system when confronted by the flu virus. Their immune systems are quicker to respond and stronger in their response

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends that all children 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine yearly. The influenza vaccine is essential for:

• Young children ages 6 months to 5 years of age
• Kids with chronic medical conditions increase the risk of complications from the flu
• All care providers of children with high-risk conditions and children younger than five years
• All women who are pregnant, have recently delivered, or are breastfeeding during the flu season

Should My Child Get the Flu Vaccine if They Have a Health Condition?

Yes, they should get it but If your child has a chronic health condition, you can speak to your pediatrician about extra precautions that you can take during the flu season. Examples of chronic health conditions include an immune system problem; heart, lung or kidney disease; diabetes; some blood diseases; and Cancer.

How the Flu Spreads and How to Prevent It?

The flu season usually starts in June/July (monsoon) and ends in February/March(Summer Begins). The flu virus spreads quickly through the air when someone infected coughs or sneezes, and the virus can be inhaled. It also can be passed through touching contaminated surfaces, such as toys or door knobs and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

In addition to the vaccine, your family also can take some additional steps to protect themselves, including:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Sanitize toys
• Teach kids to cover their mouths with their elbow when they cough
• Keep kids at home from school and day-care when they show flu symptoms

How Do I Know If My Child Has the Flu?

Flu symptoms include a sudden fever (usually above 101 degrees Fahrenheit), chills and shakes, headache and body aches, sore throat, a dry cough, a runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.

How Does the Flu Vaccine Relate to COVID? Or What is the difference between COVID and the flu?

They both cause similar symptoms, and it will be difficult to tell the difference between the two viruses. Similar symptoms between the two viruses are – Fever/chills, Cough, Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, Extreme tiredness, muscle or body aches, Headache, Stuffy, runny nose & Vomiting and diarrhoea.

Can my child get the flu and COVID at the same time?

Yes, but the chances will be significantly reduced if your child has received their annual flu vaccine.

My child wears a mask at school and other activities. Can they still get the flu?

THANK YOU, for doing your best to wear a mask at all times when outside of your home this will reduce, but not eliminate, their risk of getting respiratory infections, including flu and COVID. Wearing always a mask is controversial; please speak with your paediatrician.