The school year has started, which means kids are back in the full swing of things. From sports to dance, music lessons to after school clubs, kids are suddenly very busy again. While for the most part they are doing good things and are around other kids socializing and having fun, this also means that they are around more germs. Subsequently, this means that kids start to get sick a little more frequently than during summer. It won’t be long before we start to see the sniffles and runny noses, as well as coughs and other symptoms.
What Makes the Flu so Bad?
While most coughs and runny noses are simple viral upper respiratory infections that don’t require a visit to the doctor, it also won’t be long before we start to see influenza. Why is this important? Influenza is a more severe illness with more potential for complications. In addition to runny noses and coughing, we also see higher fevers, occasional pneumonia, and other complications from the flu. These can affect children, especially those under the age of five.
Keep an Eye the Kids
Children under the age of five commonly require medical care and occasionally hospitalization from the flu. Children of any age with chronic health problems such as diabetes or asthma frequently require medical care. Although the flu can be scary sometimes, the good news is that we can decrease the likelihood of complications from the flu by vaccinating against it.
Get Your Flu Shot
Vaccination, in order to be the most effective, should be administered before the flu shows up. The CDC usually releases the vaccine in early to mid September and encourages vaccination of all children. There are very few exceptions and very few contraindications for receiving a flu shot. Sometimes when life is busy, we push flu shots to the back burner. It’s ok if you don’t get it exactly in September, as the CDC encourages you to get it at any time between September and the end of flu season, which is typically in April or May.
Even if you have children over the age of five, but also kids younger than five, you should vaccinate all of them so as not to bring the flu virus into your home.
Physicians Immediate Care is open 7 days per week from 8-7, and we should be able to provide vaccines for your entire family. No appointment is necessary, so come by and see us at our new location on Cheney Ave, across from Walmart. Let us help you fight off the flu this year!