Children and the Flu
Brian Scott Naylor, MD | McLeod Pediatric Associates of Florence
E
very year we are told to get our flu shot and to get
What can be done to prevent the flu? We can prevent illness
In addition:
our children vaccinated. Why do we need a vaccine
from the flu by reducing the spread of the viruses. This can
• Children under 6 months old cannot receive the flu vaccine
every year? Why should we be concerned about the
be accomplished by using a tissue to cover our mouths when
• Children under 2 years old should receive the injection
flu at all? Matter of fact, what is the flu anyway?
coughing or sneezing and frequently washing our hands.
Teaching children to wash their hands and use a tissue to
vaccine only
• Children with medical conditions such as asthma or
Influenza or “the flu” is an illness caused by a group of
wipe his or her nose can significantly decrease the spread of
weekend immune systems should receive the injection only
viruses. The illness is likely to begin with a rapidly developing
the viruses as well. The flu vaccines will also protect from
• Children up to 9 years old may need 2 doses of the vaccine
fever (temperature greater than 100oF). Other common
illness from influenza viruses.
in the same season. This is because the response to a single
dose under 9 years old is significantly lower than if 2 doses
early symptoms include headache, decreased energy, dry
cough, chills, muscle aches, and pain. For some children,
A vaccine every year? Every year? Really? Yes. Each year
of the vaccine are given. This is similar to other vaccines
sore throat, nasal discharge or congestion, abdominal pain,
the vaccine protects against the 4 most common types of
given that require more than one dose to stimulate the best
nausea and vomiting may also be a part of the illness.
influenza viruses that are circulating that year. Since the
response of the immune system. The 2 doses need to be at
circulating strains can change from year to year, vaccination
What is all the fuss about? My family members and I have
is needed yearly. Flu season begins in the fall and runs
never had the flu! Each year in the United States thousands
through March. Vaccines can be effective if received at any
of people die from influenza. The numbers change from year
time during this time.
least 4 weeks apart.
• Pregnant women should receive the injection vaccine only.
What if flu symptoms are noticed? If flu symptoms are
suspected in children, contact the pediatrician early in the
to year depending on the viruses circulating that year.
Influenza is a particular concern for populations at higher
Flu vaccine is recommended by the American Academy of
illness because some antiviral medications work best if
risk including children, pregnant women, healthcare
Pediatrics for:
given within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. When they
workers, and those with chronic medical conditions such as
• All children and adolescents 6 months and older
have the flu, children can benefit from plenty of rest and
asthma and diabetes.
• Family members, close contacts, and out-of-home care
liquid intake to prevent dehydration. Persistent fever,
(i.e. daycare) providers of:
cough and ear pain can indicate complications like ear
How do influenza viruses spread? People may pass the flu
- children less than 5 years old
infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Children with
viruses to one another through droplets in the air formed by
- children with high risk conditions such as asthma,
these symptoms during the flu need further evaluation and
sneezing and coughing or by touching contaminated objects
diabetes, and neurologic disorders
such as toys. In areas where groups of people are close
• Health care personnel
together like schools, homes, and workplaces, influenza can
• Pregnant women
treatment by the pediatrician.
Sources: HealthyChildren.org, Pediatrics, CDC.gov
spread rapidly. The illness is most contagious during the 24
hours prior to symptoms and while the worst symptoms are
present.
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DECEMBER 2015
Brian Scott Naylor, M.D., cares for patients at McLeod Pediatric Associates of Florence, and is Board Certified in Pediatrics and a
Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. D r. Naylor values treating children from birth through adolescence for all general
pediatric issues. An additional McLeod Pediatric Associates of Florence location is available at 3013 West Palmetto Street, Florence,
SC (located behind McLeod Urgent Care Center). To make an appointment with Dr. Naylor, please call 843-777-7604.
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