(Written by Jen Tiller, Nurse Practitioner)

Influenza (the "flu") is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and in some children, be very, very serious. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

How does the flu spread?

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most children are contagious for 1-2 days before they get sick to a week after symptoms develop, although some younger children will shed virus (meaning they are still contagious) for more than a week. Between 10-40% of healthy children each year will contract the flu. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

How can I tell if my child might have a "cold" vs. the flu?

Why is the flu so serious?

While most children recover from the flu just fine, some experience some complications that can be serious. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and congenital heart disease. Approximately 1% of all children with the flu in any given year will be hospitalized, and that rate is much higher in children less than 3 years old.

How can I prevent my child from getting the flu?

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. This year, the CDC changed its flu shot recommendations, stating that ALL children over the age of six months, regardless of health status, should receive a flu vaccine. There are two types of vaccines:

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu; however, these need to be given within 24-36 hours after your child begins showing symptoms. If you are concerned your child may have the flu, call our office and schedule an appointment.

Other ways to avoid catching (and spreading) the flu:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick, if possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

When should I vaccinate my child?

Now! Yearly flu vaccination begins in September and continues throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. If your child has not a flu vaccine, please contact our office and schedule a nurse visit for this. It's not too late!

If your child has an allergy to eggs, please speak with one of our nurses before scheduling your child's flu shot.

Information adapted from www.cdc.gov/flu, www.kidshealth.org, and American Academy of Pediatrics, who, along with the providers at Treehouse Pediatrics, say: Get your flu shot!