Does my child need the flu vaccine?
In most cases, yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu (influenza) vaccine for all children 6 months and older — in the United States ideally by the end of October. This year the CDC recommends the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine.
Why do kids need 2 doses of flu?
The first dose primes the immune system, while the second dose actually provides the immunity. Because of similarities between flu shots from year to year, only one dose is needed each consecutive year after that.
What should you do if your child has the flu?
It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to begin. In addition to getting a flu shot, children and caregivers of young children, should take the same everyday preventive actions CDC recommends for everyone, including covering coughs, washing hands often, and avoiding people who are sick.
What are the symptoms of the flu for children?
It can be very unpleasant for them. Children with flu have the same symptoms as adults, including a high temperature, chills, aching muscles, a headache, a stuffy nose, a dry cough and a sore throat lasting up to a week. Some children develop a very high temperature or complications of flu, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and a painful ear infection.
How many children died from the flu in 2018?
Even though the reported number of deaths during the 2017-2018 flu season was 187, CDC’s mathematical models that account for the underreporting of flu-related deaths in children estimate the actual number was closer to 600.
When is the flu shot available on the NHS?
In the autumn/winter of 2019/20, the vaccine will be available free on the NHS for eligible children, including: children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2019 – that is, children born between 1 September2015 and 31 August 2017. all primary school children.
It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to begin. In addition to getting a flu shot, children and caregivers of young children, should take the same everyday preventive actions CDC recommends for everyone, including covering coughs, washing hands often, and avoiding people who are sick.
When do you get the flu shot for your child?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu (influenza) vaccine for all children 6 months and older — in the United States ideally by the end of October. This year the CDC recommends the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine.
What are the symptoms of the flu in children?
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea, which more common in children than adults. People may be infected with flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. More information on when to seek emergency care is available online.
Which is worse for children flu or covid-19?
The risk of complications for healthy children is higher for flu compared to COVID-19. However, infants and children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for both flu and COVID-19.