Protect Your Child As Flu Season Peaks

By Linda Anne Vassmer, M.D., Yacktman Pediatrics, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

So many of my patients' parents ask me, "Should my child get a flu shot?" or "Will it hurt them?" or "Will it cause more problems?"

I always remind them that the peak of the flu season is upon us and it's not too late to get vaccinated.  Flu activity, which generally peaks from January to March, is a major health concern.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, flu reported deaths from 2003-2004 to 2009-2010 ranged from 46 to 153 per year, causing an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 to be hospitalized.

I tell many parents that the flu vaccine, which is updated every year, provides protection against strains that were not included in the previous year's vaccine, so it is imperative for each healthy child to obtain the flu shot.

As a parent of 13 children, I understand there are many activities happening in a child's life, but it is important that every child six months and up get vaccinated.  I cannot overemphasize the importance of obtaining the flu vaccine.  It is important to push this simple, affordable, quick vaccination to the attention of all parents.

And remember, there are choices – for parents who would rather not have their child get poked by a needle, a nasal-spray flu vaccine is available for healthy kids ages 2 and up who do not have an underlying medical condition that puts them at high risk to any complications resulting from influenza.

I'm often concerned when people mistakenly feel a flu shot is not worthwhile for their children because they get sick after obtaining it.  Others are misinformed and not aware of the seriousness of influenza.  And there are parents who say their children will get vaccinated – after they get over their current sickness.

Let me share a story of one of my little patients.  A 6-year-old boy who did not receive the flu shot and became infected with the influenza virus ended up in the intensive care unit.  Luckily, after being treated, he is well on his way to recovering and will be fine.

H1N1 dominated the 2009-2010 flu season.  Even though it isn't on everyone's radar this year, that does not mean it doesn't pose a danger to children.  As a parent, I want my kids to be healthy.  As a pediatrician, I want all kids to be healthy.   A simple flu shot will help assure parents that their kids are protected against the most deadly strains of the flu.