It’s that time of year again, flu season. It seems like so far this year, upper respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal infections have started off a bit earlier than usual and, unfortunately, with pretty good intensity.
Not all coughs, colds, vomiting and diarrheal illnesses are caused by influenza. Influenza is only one of many viruses that can cause such symptoms. However, it is one of the more potent causes. It can severely debilitate people, especially the very young (less than two years of age) and the elderly population, along with those who have underlying medical issues, such as heart or lung problems.
There are vaccines to help prevent influenza. There is the injectable vaccine, which can be given to people starting at six months. There is also the FluMist, which is a nasal spray vaccine that is composed of weakened live strains of the vaccine. This is now approved for healthy individuals between the ages of two years to 49 years and may be slightly more effective than the injectable form. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does recommend routine immunization for influenza for children between the ages of six months and five years.
While flu shots are quite effective against preventing the influenza virus itself, they will not protect against other viruses that can cause coughs, colds, vomiting and diarrhea. Getting the flu shot won’t prevent all those annoying winter illnesses, but should afford good protection against influenza which is one of the strongest and more incapacitating ones. It is a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against influenza.
For more information, please call Santa Clarita Pediatrics at 661-253-9009.