Vaccinating for Flu is Necessary

Getting a flu vaccine has never been easier and more convenient as there is more concern to control flu.

Getting a flu vaccine has never been easier and more convenient as there is more concern to control flu. The flu vaccine, which can be administered by syringe or by a nasal mist spray, can be obtained at a doctor’s office, or at almost any grocery store or drugstore in the area. //

Many parents opt to not have their children immunized despite the scientific facts that show a direct correlation between getting the flu vaccine and a decline in the spreading of the virus. They buy into the misinformation about the risks with vaccinations and the protection they offer against diseases. Sadly, this kind of fear-based decision-making has a ripple effect as it not only affects the child, but it puts classmates, teachers, family and members of the community at risk.

Adult Immunization
Adult immunization is needed for adults whose mandatory childhood vaccines were either missed out or offer less protection, and to guard against new diseases.

During flu season, which is typically November through April, more people will die from influenza than will succumb to the Ebola virus. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles infectious disease specialist Pia Pannaraj, MD, talks about the flu virus and its symptoms, when to seek medical attention, how to prevent its spread and the importance of getting vaccine annually.

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When does the influenza virus present itself? Pannaraj: Flu season in California usually begins in late December and lasts through about April. It’s different every year, however. The flu tends to start on the East Coast, and then makes its way west.

Once vaccinated, when will the vaccine become effective? Pannaraj: After vaccination it takes 10-14 days to become effective. Which is more effective – the shot or nasal vaccination? Pannaraj: Both the shot and the nasal spray are protective against the flu. Children who have any underlying diseases such as a history of asthma or any other problems should get the flu shot. Healthy children can get either the flu shot or the nasal vaccine.

Vaccination for Children
Vaccines are biological products that impart immunity to the recipient. Vaccines may be live attenuated, killed or toxoids.

What do you think about parents deciding to opt out of vaccinating their children? Is this an issue with influenza? Pannaraj: Parents being allowed to opt their children out of vaccines has really become an issue. It’s definitely an issue for diseases such as measles. We’re seeing outbreaks of measles in populations that are unvaccinated or in families that are unvaccinated. It’s also a problem with flu. The more people who are vaccinated means more protection in the entire community.

Can you explain how an unvaccinated child affects family, classmates and other people in the community? Pannaraj: Anyone who gets the flu is contagious to others. Only vaccination can protect you from getting the flu. If you and your children are vaccinated, you will protect yourselves and others.

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What kind of treatment is recommended for children once they show flu symptoms? Pannaraj: Flu typically causes a lot of fever, body aches and children don’t want to eat. They really just want to sleep a lot during the day. You can treat flu symptoms with or without medications. Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. Your doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication to make symptoms milder. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever.

When should parents seek medical attention for a child who has the flu? Pannaraj: They should seek medical attention if they are not able to take in enough fluids, if they are having trouble breathing such as having rapid breathing or showing some tugging of the skin around the collarbones or the ribs, or if they have any underlying diseases such as asthma and a worsening of their asthma symptoms or worsening of their wheezing. About how long does the flu last and when is it safe for kids to return to school? Keep your child home from school for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone (without using a fever-reducing medicine).

Source-Medindia