FLU SAFETY TIPS: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM THE FLU THIS YEAR
The Florida Flu Information Line is 800-342-3557
What's new with the flu?
All children 6 months to 18 years are now recommended to receive the flu vaccine. This is a change from last year's recommendation of 6 months to 5 years.
Who should be vaccinated?
All healthy children 6 months to 18 years.
Any close contacts of your child: parents, siblings, grandparents, nannies and babysitters. Vaccinating close contacts is especially important is there is an infant in the house that's under the age of 6 months b/c they are too young to receive the flu vaccine and therefore are only protected if you are.
Especially vaccinate all children with chronic medical problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart problems.
Why should I vaccinate my healthy child against the flu?
School-age (or daycare-age) children are at much higher risk for contracting the flu and for getting complications that could end up causing hospitalization such as pneumonia.
It is hard to predict the severity of the upcoming flu season - and if we're in for a particularly bad flu season, it's safer to have your child vaccinated.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Influenza virus causes high fevers, fevers up to 103 degrees for an average of 3-5 days
Runny nose and eyes, sore throat, cough, body aches
It is not the "stomach flu" with vomiting and diarrhea, although this is caused by a variety of GI viruses.
What if my child is really afraid of needles/shots?
At Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics, we provide a numbing spray that can decrease the pain associated with the shot
Ask if your child is a candidate for the Flu Mist spray form of the vaccine -- this is a live vaccine that is "sniffed up" by your child and saves them from getting a shot - it is now approved for healthy children 2 years and up.
If you have any other questions regarding flu shots, please call our office at (904) 446-9991. Your child's health is our first and number one concern!
The general patient information contained in this website does not replace the medical advice given by your physician. Only non-urgent questions should be submitted via this website. Urgent visits and requests should be phoned to the Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics office staff. Urgent after-hours questions should be directed to the physician on call through our main office number. If you have a life-threatening emergeny, call 911. If you have any other serious emergency and our office is closed, proceed immediately to the closest emergency room.
