Dr Ranj Singh, paediatrician and TV presenter, has been spending a lot of his time underlining the importance of the flu vaccine on offer right now. He goes into a lot of detail in this video explaining the benefits of protecting your child against flu. It is brilliantly explained and after watching, personally I can’t see any reason why I wouldn’t vaccinate my children, please take a look.
Facts about Flu
In an average flu season in England, flu affects up to 10% of children aged 0 – 14 years
Children are the main transmitters of flu and pass the virus on for longer than adults.
For every 10 children who missed school because of flu-associated illness, eight household members subsequently became ill.
In 2013/2014, a total of 904 admissions to intensive care were reported as influenza including 98 deaths.
All children aged 2,3 and 4 are being offered a free vaccination at their GP surgeries this winter.
All children aged 5 and 6 and classed as ‘at risk’ are also being offered the same.
What is Flu?
Flu isn’t just a rotten cold, it can be a serious illness and flu vaccination gives children the best chance of protection from flu and the nasty complications that can be caused by the virus.
The recommended flu vaccine, for most children, is a nasal spray which means no needles will be used.
Protecting our children also protects others, such as the elderly who are particularly vulnerable to diseases such as flu.
Dr Singh said: “We shouldn’t forget that flu can be a potentially deadly disease and if not controlled, can spread fiercely. We are lucky to live in a country where we are actually offered a free comprehensive flu vaccination programme for our children. I fear that, unless people understand the facts, it won’t be until flu affects them personally that they’ll take action in the form of vaccination. I hope that is not the case. We really shouldn’t take that risk with our children when we have a vaccine on offer. Part of this is down to healthcare professionals like me, but also our schools and government to ensure that our community and children are protected.”
Immunisation has played a substantial role in public health, topping the list of greatest achievements in public health in the 20th century. The benefits of immunisation are substantial, not only protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases but also extending to adolescents and adults, providing them with protection against diseases such as influenza. Children are the most likely people to bring flu into the home and the most likely to spread it around.
Top tips for protecting your child from flu
1. Wash your hands with soap and water
2. Reduce the risk of contamination
3. Ensure your child is immunised against flu.
Disclosure: Information and photo credits to Share good times not flu I have been compensated for this post but I do seriously think it is a very important issue and urge all parents to think very carefully and vaccinate their children.