Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (or better known as the Flu) is an infection of the respiratory tract which includes the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by a virus that easily can spread from person to person. Children are at higher risk for serious illness that may lead to hospitalization or death. The Flu is most common during the colder months of the year. In the United States, Flu season is typically from October through May. The best way to prevent the Flu is by getting the Flu shot every year.

FAQ

How serious is flu?

While flu illness can vary from mild to severe, children often need medical care because of flu. Children younger than 5 years and children of any age with certain long-term health problems are at high risk of flu complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections. Some health problems that are known to make children more vulnerable to flu include asthma, diabetes and disorders of the brain or nervous system.

How does flu spread?

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets made when someone with flu coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. A person also can get flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.

What are flu symptoms?

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills,
feeling tired and sometimes vomitting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults). Some people with the flu will not have fever.

How can I protect my child from flu?

The first and best way to protect against flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine for yourself and your child.

  • Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older every year. Flu shots and nasal spray flu vaccines are both options for vaccination.
  • It’s especially important that young children and children with certain long-term health problems get vaccinated.
  • Caregivers of children at high risk of flu complications should get a flu vaccine.
  • Pregnant women should get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their baby from flu. Research shows that flu vaccination protects the baby from flu for several months after birth.
  • Flu viruses are constantly changing and so flu vaccines are updated often to protect against the flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to cause illness during the upcoming flu season.
Is flu vaccine safe?

Flu vaccines are made using strict safety and production measures. Millions of people have safely received flu vaccines for decades. Flu shots and nasal spray flu vaccines are both options for vaccination. Different types of flu vaccines are licensed for different ages. Each person should get one that is appropriate for their age. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend an annual flu vaccine for all children 6 months and older.

Source: CDC: Flu Information for Parents