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Fall heralds the return of many things, from school and a regular routine to sore throats, sniffles, and coughs. It also means the beginning of flu season, which is why getting early flu shots for children (and adults) is an important part of staying healthy and safe — as well as protecting those around you.
With more than 30 providers and 10 office locations in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, Angel Kids Pediatrics makes it easy to keep your child healthy.
Our medical and behavioral specialists provide a wide variety of trusted care, from well visits, same-day sick visits, and immunizations to treatment for chronic conditions and mental health challenges. Here, we explain the importance of getting your child’s annual flu shot early.
A short tutorial on the flu
Influenza, or “the flu,” is caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Approximately one in five people get sick with it each year, typically during peak season starting in the late fall, and going through the winter.
Most people who get the flu recover on their own within a couple of weeks, but the flu does kill more than 36,000 people in the United States annually, and puts 200,000 more in the hospital.
Some groups have a higher chance of flu complications, including young children — especially infants who are less than a year old. In addition, children and adults with certain other health conditions, such as asthma, may be at greater risk of serious illness.
Flu symptoms
The flu may at first be confused with a cold as they can have similar symptoms of a sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose. However, the flu often comes on quickly and typically makes people feel worse than they do with a cold.
Common additional symptoms include a fever, chills, sweats, and muscle aches. People may also experience headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a dry, persistent cough. Children, in particular, may also have digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea with the flu.
Protect your child with a flu shot
Fortunately, flu shots are available to help reduce the odds of getting the flu and, if infected, suffering from serious illness and complications. The vaccination is beneficial to both healthy children and those with underlying conditions. It comes in the form of a shot and also a nasal spray available to kids who are in good health.
Children ages six months and older can be immunized against the flu. Those older than age nine should receive one shot. Those younger than nine may need one or two shots, depending on their vaccination history.
Flu shot timing
It’s important for children and adults to receive a flu shot each year. Circulating flu viruses change, and the vaccine changes from one year to the next to better match the strains that are in circulation. Also, the immunity provided by your annual shot wanes over time.
Flu season timeline
Flu season in the United States typically runs from October to May. Given that it takes up to two weeks for the body to build immunity, vaccinations should (ideally) be completed by the end of October. However, even if this timeframe has passed, it’s still better to get immunized late than not at all.
If your child needs a flu shot, Angel Kids Pediatrics can help. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island or Saint Johns, Florida, today.