Oh No it's the Flu Monster

Routine annual flu vaccination is recommended for all patients over the age of 6 months. Ideally, all patients should receive the vaccine prior to the onset of flu season (Late November to March).

“The flu” is cause by the influenza virus. Unlike the common cold, influenza can cause severe illness (particularly under the age of 2). Symptoms often come on quickly including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. Most people recover in days however, symptoms may last up to 2 weeks.

The flu season is unpredictable from year-to-year and the severity each year depends on multiple factors (which virus is spreading, how much and when flu vaccine is available and how many people get vaccinated). People at high risk for severe flu include young children, pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes etc) and adults over the age of 65.

The flu is spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or  nose. You may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most children may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

A number of flu tests are available to detect influenza viruses. The most common are called “rapid influenza diagnostic tests.” These tests can provide results in 30 minutes or less. Unfortunately, the ability of these tests to detect the flu can vary greatly. Therefore, you could still have the flu, even though your rapid test result is negative. Most people with flu symptoms do not require testing because the test results usually do not change how you are treated.

The best way to treat the flu is to prevent it and the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. There are two types of flu vaccines:

“Flu shots” — inactivated vaccines (containing killed virus) that are given with a needle. There are three flu shots being produced for the United States market now. It has been used for decades and is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older. Some minor side effects that could occur are: Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fever (low grade), and aches. If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days.

The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that is given as a nasal spray. The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu. The intranasal vaccine is approved for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age. In children, the most common side effects include runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and fever.

Children 6 months through 8 years of age who did not receive at least one dose of the 2010-2011 vaccine, or whom it is not certain whether the 2010-2011 was received, should receive 2 doses of the 2011-2012 seasonal vaccine.

The first dose should be given as soon as vaccine becomes available, and the second dose should be given 28 more days after the first dose. The first dose “primes” the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Children who only get one dose but need two doses can have reduced or no protection from a single dose of flu vaccine.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

Quick note on Flu vaccine and egg allergy: All licensed and recommended influenza vaccines in the US are made using egg-based manufacturing processes. Only contraindication is prior history of anaphylaxis to egg. Individuals with less severe reactions (hives) may receive the vaccine (shot only) and may be watched for 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine. 

Once you have the flu it can be treated. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs are a treatment option. However, not everyone requires antiviral therapy and the medications do not cure the flu just lessen the symptoms. Therefore, only a select population is recommended to receive therapy (<2yo and those with chronic medical conditions). Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu in your body. When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also may prevent serious flu complications.

Always remember basic illness prevention. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care.

At Belliacres Pediatrics we pride ourselves in being up-to-date with the current CDC recommendations and ordering our flu vaccines as soon as they are available. Please contact the office if you have any questions and check our twitter feed often (@belliacrespeds) for updates on flu vaccine availability.