Understanding Flu

What is Flu?

Flu or Influenza, is a serious respiratory illness that can easily spread when someone infected coughs or sneezes. It can affect anyone, though children younger than 5 and children with asthma or certain chronic health conditions may be at higher risk of developing serious complications. Outbreaks of seasonal flu follow largely predictable seasonal patterns and occur annually.

What is the difference of FLU and COVID-19?

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses. They are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.

How Does Flu Spread?

Each year, millions of children get sick with the flu and thousands are hospitalized because of severe complications caused by the flu. Flu spreads when anyone inhale droplets that are coughed up or sneezed by an infected person, or when they come in direct contact with mucus or spit from someone who has the flu.

As we bring down protections that were in place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as masking and social distancing, and we head into winter, it is imperative that every child gets a flu shot. This is why it is so important for children 6 months and older to get vaccinated each year.

Kids can spread the flu a day before their symptoms start, and 5-7 days after they get sick. It can easily move from kid to kid as they share things while playing or in class rooms.

What are the symptoms of Flu in Kids?

It’s not always easy to tell if your child has the flu. The illness comes on fast and is more intense than a cold. Kids tend to feel worse during the first 2 or 3 days they're sick. Symptoms include:

• A sudden, high-grade fever up to 104 degrees F
• Chills and shakes with the fever
• Extreme tiredness
• Headache and body aches
• Dry, hacking cough
• Sore throat
• Vomiting and belly pain

Is there any Vaccine available for Flu?

Influenza vaccines, also known as flu shots or flu jabs, are vaccines that protect against infection by influenza viruses.

When is the best time to get Flu vaccination?

Because flu season vary in length and severity, you may go for flu vaccine dose as soon as the vaccine is available and throughout the entire flu season.

How does the Flu Shot work?

Like many vaccines, the flu shot works by causing your body to create antibodies against the flu. These antibodies protect against future infection, making it easier to fight off the illness if you become exposed.

Why should I get Flu Shot every year?

The flu viruses are constantly changing. Generally new influenza virus strains circulate every flu season. Each Year, before flu season, the most recent circulating viruses are identified by the World Health Organization [WHO] and included in a new vaccine formula order to offer the best protection. These go into that year's flu vaccine, so getting your flu vaccine each year becomes even more essential.