5 THINGS: Five questions answered about flu vaccine and children – Muskogee Daily Phoenix

Dr. Leisha Andersen, pediatrician and content specialist for Bright by Text, answers five questions about flu vaccine and children.

1 Is the flu preventable?

Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect your child (and yourself) from the flu. Anyone 6 months of age or older is eligible to receive the flu vaccine. If your baby is under 6 months of age, its important that all other family members are vaccinated against the flu to prevent household members from spreading influenza illness to your baby. Two types of flu vaccine are available this year--a shot and a nasal spray (sometimes called the mist).Talk to your childs doctor to decide which type of flu vaccine will be best for your child. You can also limit the spread of the flu by reducing your contact with people who are sick with flu symptoms. Handwashing, covering of coughs and sneezes, wearing a mask, and staying home when youre sick can all help to prevent spreading the flu.

2 Is there a best time to get a flu vaccine?

It takes about two weeks for your body to develop protective antibodies after youre vaccinated against the flu. Therefore, its important to vaccinate as soon as possible to avoid getting (and spreading) influenza. Ideally, your family will get their flu vaccines by the end of October.

3 Can you get the flu from the influenza shot?

Flu vaccines do not cause flu sickness. After a flu vaccine, some people have mild symptoms that go away quickly. If you get the flu, you may be sick for as long as 2 weeks. Flu illness can also lead to complications including asthma attacks, pneumonia, hospitalizations, and rarely death.

4 How can you find free or low cost flu vaccines for your family?

Your childs doctors office will be a good place to get flu vaccines this year. You can also find vaccine opportunities in your community using this Vaccine Finder. To learn about qualifying for low-cost health coverage (which will include coverage of vaccines), check out InsureKidsNow.gov or call (877) KIDS-NOW ((877) 543-7669).

5 How are flu and coronavirus different?

The flu and the coronavirus also have important differences:

a vaccine is currently available for influenza

the loss of taste or smell is more likely with coronavirus

symptoms spread with different timing: Influenza symptoms typically show up 1-4 days after youre exposed to a person sick with the flu, coronavirus symptoms can show up 2-14 days after youre around someone sick with COVID-19.

Ronn Rowland

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5 THINGS: Five questions answered about flu vaccine and children - Muskogee Daily Phoenix