Fight the Flu: It starts with you!
Flu season is coming up, so let’s protect ourselves! Department of Health offers the Stop Flu at School program for all of Kauai's schools, where your child can be vaccinated against the Flu at no cost. Please vaccinate your child at your pediatricians office if you are not signed up at school!
A common question I hear is, "Every time my child gets the flu shot, they still just get sick anyway. So why even get the flu shot for my child?" I want to take some time to review what the flu vaccination is, as well as differentiate between the flu and the common cold.
The Flu Vaccine The flu vaccine protects against four of the most common strains of the flu for specific year. A common misconception is that if your child gets the flu vaccine, he/she will not get sick at all. However, it is still possible for your child to get the flu caused by a less common virus that was not included in the vaccine. They may also catch a virus that causes the common cold. There is no vaccine for the main culprit of the common cold, the rhinovirus. Catching the flu can be very serious, especially for the young and the elderly, so vaccination will significantly decrease your child's chances of catching it.
Flu vs. the Common Cold The most common reason that the flu and colds get confused, is because both are respiratory illnesses. They may share similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea. Unlike the common cold though, the Flu can cause severe illness and possibly life-threatening complications. This is the reason, the Hawaii State Department of Health has developed the Stop Flu at School program to provide the flu vaccinations at no cost.
What you can do to stay healthy
Get vaccinated
Influenza or “flu” can cause serious illness. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
Cover your cough or sneeze
Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Toss your used tissue in the waste basket and wash your hands.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
If you touch surfaces with the flu virus, you can get the flu by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Stay home if you’re sick
Flu viruses go wherever you go when you are infected. Stay at home and check with your healthcare provider when needed
