Expert tips for parents to prepare as flu season begins
Summary
The flu season has started, and health experts recommend that everyone older than 6 months get a flu vaccine to protect against serious illness. Parents should encourage good hygiene and have common medicines at home to help manage symptoms in children.Key Facts
- The flu can be more serious than a cold, especially for children under 5 and those with chronic health conditions.
- Health groups like the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise flu vaccination for everyone over 6 months old.
- Most severe flu cases and deaths in children occur in those who are unvaccinated.
- Children 6 months to 23 months get the inactivated flu shot; children 2 to 8 years can get the shot or nasal spray, except if they have immune problems or asthma.
- Children 9 years and older can receive the flu shot, nasal spray, or recombinant vaccine.
- Parents should remind children to wash hands and cover coughs to prevent flu spread.
- Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.
- Medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce fever and relieve symptoms at home.
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