Many parents mistakenly believe that a flu vaccine is necessary only if their children are under 18 months, immune-impaired, or otherwise susceptible via exposure at daycare or school. However, flu shots are no longer just for babies and seniors, and the CDC is recommending that children of all ages receive the vaccine.
The flu vaccine, like many vaccinations, seems to be highly misunderstood. That's why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launches a campaign each year to educate the public, especially parents and medical professionals, about the severity of the flu.
Myth: Only children susceptible to catching the flu need the vaccine.
Fact: All children over the age of 6 months should receive a vaccination against the flu. Babies under 6 months of age are too young to be vaccinated, which is why children and adults living with a baby should also receive the vaccine.
Myth: I don't need to vaccinate my child because he or she doesn't go to school, daycare, etc.
Fact: Your child is still at risk during day-to-day interactions with other adults, whether at home, a family gathering, or a trip to the grocery store. Each year, an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of flu complications, and these children contract the flu from the general public, and even other children in the home.
Myth: The flu vaccine doesn't work.
Fact: First, it is important to note that the flu vaccine protects against Influenza, a virus that causes high fever, sore throat, coughing, fatigue, and a runny or stuffy nose. This is entirely different from the stomach flu, which is not protected by the flu vaccine. The vaccine protects against three main flu strains that (through research) the CDC predicts will cause the most illness. If your child gets sick with a strain of the flu outside of these three, the illness will be much milder if he or she has received the vaccine.
Myth: The flu never hurt anyone.
Fact: More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year from flu complications, and as mentioned above, around 20,000 of those are children under 5 years of age. Sadly, about 100 children die each from the flu. An additional 36,000 people die each year, and many of those may have contracted the flu from an infected child.
So what should you do now?
The CDC recommends a three-step approach: Vaccinate, Prevent, and Treat.
Vaccinate all children over 6 months of age. Parents, caregivers, and others with close contact with your children should also be vaccinated. Don't be embarrassed to bring this up with your daycare provider or other relatives. Your child's health is at stake.
Prevent the flu from spreading by using a tissue each time you sneeze or cough. Make sure you throw the tissue away. Also, avoid close contact with sick individuals. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. Most importantly, if you get sick, stay home from school or work to avoid passing it around.
If you do get the flu, use flu antiviral drugs to keep the illness mild. Remember that these drugs are not a substitute for getting the flu vaccine. Antiviral drugs can prevent the illness from spreading and prevent the dangerous complications that accompany the flu.
The CDC recommends getting a vaccine any time from when they are first available in your community, throughout the entire flu season, which can run into January or February.
It's important if you are going to give your children the flu shot (remember, it's your choice) to make sure that you get the shot without thimerasol (mercury). Ask your doctor to use the one that is safer for pregnant women and small children.
Dr. Sears (a mainstream, pro-vax doctor) says in his book The Vaccine Book that the flu risk for children under 2 has been blown out of proportion by the media. He does not recommend giving your child the flu vaccine before 2 years.
Whether you are vaxing selectively or fully, or you are not vaccinating, this is a must read just to know what is in the vaccines and what the risks are to make an informed decision.
Thanks for the info I'll add it.
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