{"id":36002,"date":"2015-09-15T07:45:19","date_gmt":"2015-09-15T11:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jacksonvillemom.com\/?p=36002"},"modified":"2022-01-31T13:20:08","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T18:20:08","slug":"whats-a-mom-to-do-about-the-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jacksonvillemom.com\/health-wellness\/whats-a-mom-to-do-about-the-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s a Mom to Do about the Flu?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of year again when the flu shot signs start popping up around town in doctor\u2019s offices, pharmacies and even in some schools. For many moms, getting one for themselves and their children is routine every fall. Why wouldn\u2019t you since it can reduce the severity or even prevent you from getting the flu?<\/p>\n

Why Are Flu Shots Important?<\/h3>\n

\"Flu\"<\/a>Most people don\u2019t need convincing, but some do. The fact is the flu can kill even healthy people, and children are very susceptible. According to the Centers for Disease Control<\/a>, nearly 150 children died during the 2014-2015 flu season in the U.S., 90 percent of whom had not been vaccinated. Of those deaths, most were eligible to receive the flu vaccine, and 40 percent had no underlying health problems to put them at higher risk for complications.<\/p>\n

Babies under six months old are the most likely to develop secondary problems like pneumonia from influenza. However, since they\u2019re not old enough to get the vaccine, it is that much more important for parents, siblings and other caregivers to get theirs so they can protect the baby from the virus by not catching it themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cVaccine against influenza is the best way to protect children and everyone else against severe illness and, in some cases, death that can result from influenza infection,\u201d said Mobeen Rathore, MD<\/a>, CPE, FAAP, PFIDS, FSHEA, FACPE, FIDSA, chief of the\u00a0Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at Wolfson Children\u2019s Hospital<\/a> and the University of Florida College of Medicine \u2013 Jacksonville<\/a>. \u201cDiagnosing influenza is not easy and it\u2019s frequently diagnosed late, so as a result, anti-influenza medications<\/a> are much less effective.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Flu Facts<\/h3>\n

The influenza vaccine has been in use for decades, and millions of doses have been given worldwide. Side effects, if any, are rare and overwhelmingly minor, such as redness or soreness at the site of the injection, said Dr. Rathore. The vaccine cannot cause someone to get the flu.<\/p>\n

In the United States, flu season hits around October and can last through May, peaking around late December to early January, but it\u2019s not always easy to predict. Because of that uncertainty, it\u2019s best to get the influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available. Each year, the vaccine is prepared based on the best projection of the main virus that might be circulating, but even if the right one isn\u2019t correctly identified, Dr. Rathore said having the antibodies can still afford some protection. For those getting their first flu shot, a booster shot four weeks later is required to make it more effective.<\/p>\n

Suzanne Bilyeu, MD<\/a>, a pediatric hospitalist<\/a> with Nemours Children\u2019s Specialty Care, Jacksonville<\/a>, and Wolfson Children\u2019s Hospital sees many children each year who require hospitalization due to complications of the virus. Dr. Bilyeu says parents need to be aware of the classic influenza signs that can initially be confused with a cold or other respiratory illness commonly referred to as the \u201cflu.\u201d There is no hallmark sign of influenza other than higher grade fevers and more severe symptoms so it is important to keep an eye out for worsening symptoms, especially in those children who are younger than a year old or with underlying medical conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most common problems that lead to a hospitalization in patients with influenza are respiratory distress followed by dehydration<\/a>, and then secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia<\/a>,\u201d said Dr. Bilyeu. \u201cWe particularly worry about young infants and children with asthma<\/a> and other chronic illnesses or diseases.\u201d<\/p>\n

What Do You Do With the Flu?<\/h3>\n

\"Flu\"<\/a>How does a parent know if their child needs medical intervention? Dr. Bilyeu asks parents to monitor their children for a few simple things. \u201cFirst, look for signs of respiratory distress such as breathing rapidly or working hard to breathe. Second, monitor for signs of dehydration such as decreased urine output or lack of tears. Lastly, be concerned if your child appeared to be recovering, only to have a return of fever or worsening symptoms. That can be the sign of a secondary bacterial infection.\u201d<\/p>\n

If a parent sees any of those symptoms, your child should be seen by his or her primary care provider or taken to the ER, depending on the severity of the symptoms. As far as anti-viral medications like Tamiflu go, not all children need it. In healthy kids, the flu runs its course so it\u2019s not necessary to prescribe it and, in fact, it can cause nausea that sometimes can make kids feel worse.<\/p>\n

Children with asthma, neuromuscular disorders like cerebral palsy<\/a> and young infants are the ones who benefit the most from it. Parents should discuss the pros and cons with their child\u2019s doctor. Dr. Rathore adds, \u201cAnti-influenza medications work best when used in the first 48 hours after the onset of illness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Bilyeu\u2019s top five suggestions for the flu: <\/strong><\/p>\n