The Pediatric Place

Flu season is approaching!
Time to get vaccinated!  And time to teach your kids how to protect against the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Also keep in mind:

• The flu vaccine takes 10-14 days to work.
• Influenza virus can survive on hard household surfaces for up to a day. The virus survives for much less time on soft surfaces, such as used tissues and bed linens.
• A person infected with influenza virus may be contagious for one day prior to developing symptoms, and 5-7 days after getting sick.
• The CDC recommends that everyone receive a flu vaccine annually from age 6months old and up with few exceptions.
Certain populations are at higher risk of complications from the flu: infants/toddlers, the elderly, pregnant women, and patients with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, etc.).

Learn more from the CDC.