Protect your child against flu
Introduction
Flu season is upon us and new research shows that getting your child immunized against the virus doesn’t only protect him – it can prevent the whole family from getting ill.
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Flu immunization and your child
Many parents are suspicious when it comes to immunization, but research from MassGeneral Hospital in Boston indicates it’s the best way of protecting your child and you from influenza. The study calculated that if even just half of children from 6 months up to 5 years of age were immunized, thousands of hospitalizations and outpatient visits for flu could be avoided.
The virus is highly contagious and if your child attends daycare or a preschool it’s highly likely he’ll be infected if even one of his classmates has the flu. If he’s under 2, he’s particularly at risk of complications – including pneumonia, dehydration and sinus or ear problems – even if he’s healthy. The risk of complications rises in children with long-term health problems, such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease That’s one of the reasons why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the vaccine for all children 6 months to 5 years, along with any adults in the home and anyone who may care for your children in their home. Ensuring that adults around you are vaccinated also protects your child if he’s under 6 months, when the flu vaccine won’t be suitable for him.
The CDC estimates that around 20,000 under-5s are hospitalized each year due to flu
When should he have it?
Flu season starts in October and runs right through to April. The best time to get your child vaccinated for optimum protection is October through to the end of November – though if you miss out, you should still get him immunized as soon as you can. If your child is under 9 and getting immunized against flu for the first time he’ll need two doses: the first primes his immune system and the second provides the immunity, which kicks in around two weeks after that second dose. Many doctors advise that first-timers should get the first dose as early in the season as possible to ensure adequate protection as flu season gets underway.
Most over-2s can now receive the flu vaccine via a nasal spray; if your child is under 2 he’ll be given a shot, as the nasal spray vaccine is not approved for this age group. If you’re at all concerned your child may develop the flu after receiving the vaccine, don’t be – it doesn’t contain the live virus, so it won’t infect your child.
Supernanny Team
Related Links
- Immunization and your child No parent likes to see their child sick – and immunizing them against infectious diseases can protect them from serious diseases. But what if you have doubts?