What to Know About the Upcoming Flu Season

Submitted by Children’s Health

At this time of year, signs for flu shots start popping up everywhere – at the corner pharmacy, at the doctor’s office and perhaps in your place of work. It’s easy to ignore but important not to. Between 5% and 20% of people in the U.S. come down with the flu each year, taking them out of work or school and putting others around them at risk of becoming sick..

Children’s Health recommends everyone six months of age and older be vaccinated against the flu. Influenza can be very dangerous, especially for those younger than 2 and older than 65 years old, as well as for people with chronic health conditions. In fact, 85 children died of the flu in the U.S. last year. Most of the deaths were in children who were not vaccinated; therefore, all children older than six months and anyone who will be around children should be vaccinated – including pregnant women, new parents, daycare workers and other family members.

“The best protection is the flu vaccine,” said Dawn Johnson, M.D., an associate medical director at Children’s Health Pediatric Group. “Flu season has started and runs through June. It is best to get vaccinated now so that your body has enough time to react to the vaccine and give you maximum protection from getting the flu.”

Flu shots are available in clinics throughout the Metroplex and in other venues such as pharmacies. Free flu vaccines are also available through Dallas County Health and Human Services for children and adults who are Medicaid enrollees, unemployed or uninsured, while supplies last.

Parents should keep in mind that the nasal mist vaccination will not be offered this year as it has in years past. In August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the nasal flu vaccine was not as effective as the shot, and as a result, physicians will not be offering it.

“Nasal mist or no nasal mist, the flu season is still coming as it does every year,” Dr. Johnson said. “Families should make a plan to get their flu shots today. Protecting your child is a very important part of making sure your family stays healthy over the next several months.”

In addition to the vaccine, it is also important to practice other common-sense behaviors to prevent contagious illnesses – including washing your hands often, covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, avoiding close contact with sick people, and disinfecting surfaces at home, work and school, especially when someone you know is sick.

For more information on the flu prevention, treatment and other resources, visit www.childrens.com/flu.