Fight the Flu: It starts with you!
Flu season is upon us, so let’s protect ourselves and our Keiki! Department of Health offered the Stop Flu at School program this past October. If your child did not receive their vaccine at that time, please schedule at your pediatricians office. 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.
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.
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.
Prevention
· 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 wastebasket 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
