Influenza Types A and B
Seasonal FLU and ESD (2009-2010)
ESD currently (as of September 1, 2009) has all flu vaccines in stock. Please call the office to get an appointment. It is NOT too early to be vaccinated.
The Flu Shot (injectable FLUZONE)
Flu shots are plentiful this year. We recommend flu vaccines for all children 6 months to 18 years this year. Preservative-free doses are available for children under 3 years of age. The highest risk groups are listed below.
This "at risk group" of children who are strongly recommended to get the vaccine includes:
- All children with Asthma
- Immunocompromised patients
- Patients with chronic illness (i.e. diabetes, heart condition, etc.)
- All infants aged 6-23 months
- Siblings of patients less than 6 months old
You can read the CDC info sheet on FLUZONE by clicking here.
Flumist
Flumist is also being given by our office this year. Flumist is a live vaccine that is given via a nasal spray as opposed to an injection. It has been approved for all healthy individuals over the age of 2. Anyone falling in to the "at risk" groups above cannot get Flumist, but SHOULD get the shot. If your child is over the age of 2, otherwise healthy, and you would like them to receive this vaccine, call the office to schedule.
Read the CDC info sheet on FLUMIST by clicking here.
"The Flu" is a viral illness usually characterized by sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, malaise (tiredness), diffuse myalgia (muscle pain or weakness), and a non-productive cough. Following these symptoms are respiratory tract signs such as sore throat, nasal congestion and rhinitis (runny nose), and worsening cough. In some cases abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting can occur.
How is it spread?
Influenza Type A & B is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets and direct contact with surfaces or articles that have been contaminated by these secretions. The incubation period (the time that it takes from exposure to becoming ill) for Influenza is 1 to 3 days .
Reference: 2003 "Red Book", Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics.
When should I bring my child to the doctor?
Any child who "appears significantly ill" should be evaluated by a physician. If the diagnosis is "Flu", than there is little to be done other than symptomatic care and observation for complications or Tamiflu if the flu is diagnosed within 48 ours. All children with persistent high fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, or worsening condition should be seen by a doctor. If you are concerned about your child's condition, call the office for an appointment.
There are a few medicines (antivirals - i.e. Tamiflu) that can be useful in reducing the length of illness and severity of symptoms if the diagnosis is made within the first 48 hours of the onset of illness. There is no "cure" for the flu. In most cases the body will fight off the virus. Antibiotics have no effect of viruses.
Symptomatic Care
Symptomatic care is usually the main recommendation for a child who has the flu. Treat the fever with Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen), encourage fluids, and provide other symptomatic medicines as needed. It is important to watch for complications such as difficulty breathing, dehydration, etc. Call the office if you feel your child is developing complications.
For More Information
For more information, try the following links:
or call the office...
JDMD 12/10/03.
Updated 12/17/03, 12/22/03, 1/7/04, 1/15/04, 1/28/04, 2/20/04, 8/23/04, 10/7/04, 10/20/04, 12/20/04, 1/17/05, 2/4/05, 9/28/05, 10/3/05, 11/11/05, 12/16/05, 3/14/06, 9/28/06, 10/26/06, 12/14/06, 1/15/07, 1/28/07, 4/15/07, 10/31/07, 11/3/08, 2/12/09, 9/1/09
Created: December 10, 2003; Revised: September 1, 2009