As the school re-opens after the summer break, ensuring your children are safeguarded against illnesses like Influenza is crucial. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness triggered by influenza viruses. It affects individuals of all ages, including children, and can lead to severe complications, particularly in more susceptible populations.
The most effective strategy for maintaining your kids’ school attendance and readiness to learn involves administering the flu vaccine. This holds even greater significance for children with underlying health conditions, who face elevated risks of severe flu-related complications. Secure an appointment with us today to get your children ready for school with the flu shot.
Here are key insights parents should know about influenza:
Getting the flu shot: The annual influenza vaccination stands as the most potent defense against the dreaded viral illness and its associated complications. The vaccine is recommended for all children aged 6 months and above. For kids with underlying health conditions, it is a necessity as they face greater susceptibility to severe flu-related complications. Ideally, vaccination should occur before the onset of the flu season, which typically peaks during winter.
Prevention: In addition to vaccination, other preventive actions encompass maintaining proper hand hygiene, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, evading close contact with sick individuals.
Symptoms: Common flu symptoms encompass fever, cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea in children. These symptoms generally manifest suddenly and can be more intense than those of a common cold.
Transmission: Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets discharged when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also disseminate by contact with surfaces or objects contaminated by the virus, followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
High-Risk Groups: Certain groups, such as children under 5 years old (especially those under 2), children with chronic medical conditions, expectant mothers, and individuals with compromised immune systems, confront elevated risks of flu-related complications.
Complications: Influenza can result in complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and exacerbation of chronic medical conditions like asthma. Vigilantly watch for signs of severe illness, including breathing difficulties, prolonged high fever, dehydration, altered mental state, and promptly seek medical aid if needed.
The tailored guidance aligned with your child’s unique health requisites with our specialist pediatrician at New Apollo Clinic can help you prevent the spread of flu in your children. With over 7 years of experience as a specialist pediatrician, Dr. Aluramma Annapureddy’s core expertise involves the treatment of common and seasonal infectious diseases, routine comprehensive immunization, and pre-school health check-up. To experience her expertise firsthand schedule an appointment with Dr. Aluramma, and make sure that your child is safeguarded against flu.
