Each year, health professionals recommend the flu vaccine, and each time you ask yourself: should I have my child vaccinated against the flu? The following information will help you understand why the vaccine is recommended.
Should I have my child vaccinated against the flu?
Public health experts recommend you have your child vaccinated against the flu because it is a very contagious virus. The vaccine is the best protection for children; it enables their bodies to produce antibodies that fight the flu. It is not recommended for children under six months old; however, older family members should be vaccinated, as babies a few months old can still contract the flu.
A vaccine every year?
The reason why a child should be vaccinated every year is that the flu virus changes constantly. Epidemiologists study statistics every year to determine which influenza strains are the most likely to circulate among the population. In addition, the antibodies that are produced following vaccination may diminish after six months, especially in young children.
Is the vaccine effective?
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine is often called into question. In reality, it is effective in 70 to 90 per cent of healthy people. It all depends on the age of the person who was vaccinated, their general health, and the influenza strains that are circulating. Occasionally it may happen that the most prevalent strain was not foreseen by the experts and was not included in the vaccine.
What is the flu?
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It is an infection of the respiratory system that is often confused with a cold. However, the symptoms of the flu are more numerous and more intense than those of the common cold. The main symptoms of the flu in children are the following:
- fever
- cough
- fatigue
- headache
- muscle pain
- stomach pain
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
How do I cure the flu?
There is no treatment against the flu, and most people get better on their own after a week. It is recommended to drink a lot of hot or cold liquids (water, juice, or broth) to compensate for the loss of fluid from a fever and diarrhea. To relieve your child’s fever, you can administer acetaminophen according to the instructions on the bottle’s label.
When should I consult a doctor?
Children aged two and under are more at risk of developing complications such as dehydration, sinusitis or pneumonia. If your child has a high fever and appears to be very sick (if he or she refuses to play or is lethargic) don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. And next fall, chances are you’ll remember why you should have your child vaccinated against the flu!
