Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is extremely dangerous for children, especially those under the age of five. Children with certain illnesses are even more susceptible to complications arising from influenza, such as asthma and diabetes, as well as brain and nervous system disorders.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal influenza; thousands of children are hospitalized and some children die from flu.” The CDC also states that “Since 2010… flu-related hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years ranged from 7,000 to 26,000 in the United States.”
How to Protect Your Child from Influenza
At the beginning of every flu season, the best way to keep your child flu-free is to get her vaccinated. Some children will need more than one flu dose so be sure to get the first dosage early in the season. For children who only need one dose, it’s recommended to get them vaccinated every year by October. Peak flu season is between December and February. Children under six months old are too young for the flu vaccine. This means it is extremely important that the people they come into contact with are vaccinated.
To learn more about the flu vaccine and protecting your children from Influenza, visit the CDC’s official website.
