Pediatric Collections: Seasonal Flu

Don’t let flu sideline your family. Take the first opportunity to get everyone immunized. Every parent has been there. You received email reminders about a flu shot clinic, but didn’t get a chance to make an appointment. Now your child has come down with a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, headache, chills, sore throat and dry cough. Off to the pediatrician you go. All children over age 6 months should be immunized against influenza every year. The flu shot reduces the chance that your child will have to visit the doctor’s office for treatment by 50% to 75%. The average case of flu can last a week or more. Children under age 5 years and those with chronic health conditions are at greater risk of problems from the flu. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children ages 6 months to 8 years receive two doses of influenza vaccine their first season, given four weeks apart. Thereafter, only one shot a year is needed. Children ages 9 years and older should receive one dose. It is safe for children with egg allergy to receive the influenza shot, according to the AAP.