Each fall, news stories discuss
the threat influenza (the “flu”) poses to older adults
and people with chronic ailments.
Although the death rate from the
flu peaks in those who are 65 and older, the rate of hospital
stays is highest in another group of young children. One out of
every 100 influenza patients younger than 2 ends up in the
hospital.
Make it yearly
Healthy children
between the ages of 6 months and 59 months should be vaccinated
annually against influenza, according to guidelines from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC said children 8
years old and younger who are immunized for the first time should get
two full doses of vaccine, each given one month apart. The CDC
does not advise that infants younger than 6 months get the vaccine.
A nasal spray vaccine called FluMist is available for children 2
and older.
The best protection for a child under 6 months
old is for the adults and others around the baby to be vaccinated
against the flu so the illness is not spread. Then, during the flu
season, keep the infant home away from crowds, children other than
siblings and public places.
A baby with the flu can run a
temperature, sometimes as high as 105º F taken rectally. A fever of
106.5º F is a serious medical risk in itself.
In babies
younger than 3 months, a fever above 100.4º F taken rectally can be
a sign of serious illness. If you have questions about the flu or
your child’s fever, call your healthcare
professional.
OK for pregnant women
Doctors also recommend flu
shots for pregnant women who will be in their second or third
trimester during flu season. Flu shots are OK for breastfeeding
mothers.
Resources
Children's
Medical Center Dallas
American Academy of
Pediatrics
Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
