Why It Matters

• The flu can be serious. Every year, many children are hospitalized from influenza.
  
  
• The flu is a respiratory illness that causes:
  • Fever (>100.4F)
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Stuffy, runny nose

• The flu spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
  
  
• Serious complications can include ear infections, pneumonia and, in rare cases, neurological or heart problems.

The Good News

The flu vaccine is a simple and safe way to protect your children. Almost everyone over the age of 6 months old should get a flu shot every year.

• The flu virus changes each season, so it’s important to get your flu vaccine every year.
  
  
• Get the vaccine as soon as possible as it typically takes two weeks for it to be fully effective.
  
  
• Children 6 months to 8 years old who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time need two doses of the vaccine given at least four weeks apart. Kids 6 months to 8 years who have already received two doses in a previous season only need one dose. Individuals aged 9 years and older only need one dose.
  
  
• Children less than 6 months old, those with a severe life-threatening allergy to a component of the vaccine, and those who have had a previous allergic reaction to the flu vaccine should not receive it.

Where To Get the Flu Vaccine

Children’s Wisconsin is offering a variety of times and locations to get flu shots to make it as easy as possible. Whether your child is a Children’s Wisconsin patient or not, you can schedule a vaccination appointment online.

• The flu and other vaccines should be covered by health insurance without a copayment, or coinsurance, but be sure to check with your insurance company to find out if you have to get the flu shot from a specific doctor or location.

The Vaccine Is Safe

The flu vaccine has been studied extensively since its origin in the late 1930s.

• For patients with a mild egg allergy, it is safe for them to receive the normal flu vaccines. For those with a severe or life-threatening egg allergy, there is a special egg-free vaccine available.
  
  
• Commons side effects include soreness at the site of injection and mild flu-like symptoms from our body mounting an immune response.
  
  
• The vaccine cannot cause the flu.

What about FluMist

The FluMist is an effective way to be immunized against influenza but may not be appropriate for all patients. You should discuss this option with your doctor if interested.

How To Treat the Flu

If your child gets the flu, in most cases they’ll get better in about a week.

• Give them plenty of fluids, including water, electrolyte drinks and soup. 
  
  
• Let them rest. Do not send your child to school or daycare if they are sick. Staying home will prevent the spread of the flu.

When To See a Doctor

If your child is not getting better after a few days or their symptoms are worsening, contact their doctor’s office to determine if you should make an appointment or if they need any antiviral drugs.

• The Children’s Wisconsin app has a symptom checker to understand if your child needs to be seen.
  
  
• The Children’s Wisconsin app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.