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Staying Healthy
Dr. Jaime Friedman, M.D., F.A.A.P. Children’s Physicians Medical Group
Children’s Physicians Medical Group pediatricians serve families all over San Diego County. To find a pediatrician near you, call: 1-877-276-4543
www.cpmgsandiego.com
Every fall we are faced with the same question: To get the flu shot or not to get the flu shot? How do you make the best decision for your family? First of all, it is important to remember that the flu (influenza infection) is more than just a bad cold. Influenza is a serious illness that causes sudden onset of high fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue and body aches. Patients with the flu are at risk for pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of chronic disease, hospitalization and death. In order to protect yourself, your family and those around you from the flu, vaccination is recommended. Below is more information on the vaccines. · Getting yearly flu shots: Influenza comes in many varieties, which mainly includes types A and B. Both A and B have a variety of antigens (proteins that trigger an immune response) on them. Each year the antigens on the virus “drift” or change. That, combined with decreasing immunity, means we need updated shots yearly. · Who should get the flu shot: Ideally, everyone over the age of 6 months. People with asthma, heart disease, immunocompromised conditions, children taking aspirin and pregnant women should definitely be vaccinated. Also, people who work in health care or who care for babies should receive their annual flu shots. The more people who are protected, the greater our herd immunity.
· Types of available vaccine: There used to be 2 types of flu vaccine available. This year, only the injectable vaccine is being used because the nasal mist vaccine was not as effective as once thought. The injectable vaccine is available for age 6 months and up and is NOT a live virus vaccine. It only has components of 4 strains of the flu, 2 A (including H1N1) and 2 B. · Egg allergies: If your child has a confirmed egg allergy by an allergist but is able to tolerate foods baked with egg or only has mild hives when they eat egg, they can get the shot in the pediatrician’s office. Be prepared to wait for 30 minutes to watch for reaction afterwards. If your child has anaphylaxis to egg, it is now felt to be safe to get a flu shot. It is best to discuss your options with the allergist. Some allergists will administer the vaccine under careful observation. · Timing: The best time to get the flu shot is before any potential exposure to the flu. It takes about 2 weeks for the flu shot to be fully active. Talk to your doctor about when flu season begins in your area so you can schedule your shot accordingly. · Can you get the flu from the flu shot? You cannot get the flu from the shot because there is no live virus in it. The immune response may cause mild flu-like symptoms including body aches or fever. These symptoms usually last a day or 2 and are not nearly as severe as an actual influenza infection as they are not caused by the flu itself.