You know the feeling: Your child is suddenly unwell with chills, fever, body aches, and a persistent cough. Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can disrupt your family’s life and even require medical attention.
At Rise & Shine Pediatrics, Kalpana Kumari, MD, FAAP is your go-to for flu prevention. Dr. Kumari stays up-to-date on local flu trends and offers tailored vaccine recommendations for your family.
Early vaccination is the key to protecting your child from the flu. Vaccinating them before flu season starts can reduce their chances of getting sick and spreading the virus to others.
However, your child must receive the appropriate vaccine, as the effectiveness can vary depending on the predominant flu strains in your area. Here’s what you need to know.
Children under 5 are particularly vulnerable to severe flu complications, which are more dangerous than a common cold. The flu shot is recommended for everyone, except babies under 6 months and those with severe allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients.
The flu virus is a master of disguise, constantly changing and evading our defenses. Each year, new strains emerge, attacking children, adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
As a result, the vaccine formula must be updated annually to target the most common strains circulating in a given year.
Scientists around the world track flu strains, predicting which ones are more likely to pop up in each region. Then, they recommend the vaccine to best protect against these specific strains.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes the final decision in the United States. Dr. Kumari carefully monitors these reports and provides personalized vaccine recommendations for your family.
While flu shots are generally effective in preventing influenza, there are instances where they may not provide complete protection. Here’s why:
Scientists predict the predominant flu strains each season and design the vaccine accordingly. However, a new or unexpected strain emerging can reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Immune systems vary from person to person. Some kids may have a weaker immune response to the vaccine, making them more susceptible to the flu.
If your child is exposed to the flu virus shortly after immunization, the vaccine may not have enough time to offer full protection. That’s why we recommend getting your family’s flu shots before flu season starts in September or October.
Despite these limitations, getting a flu shot remains the best way to protect yourself and your child from influenza.
If your child develops flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or muscle aches, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kumari. While there’s no instant remedy, here are some ways you can ease your child’s symptoms at home:
Help your child stay healthy and avoid the discomfort and potential risks associated with the flu. Call or click online today to schedule a flu shot at Rise & Shine Pediatrics in South Plainfield, New Jersey.
