Don’t be caught off guard, beat the flu this season! Flu season can start as early as October. CHOC Children’s and the American Academy of Pediatrics urge that all children ages 6 months or older — that means practically everyone! — be immunized against influenza as soon as the vaccine is available. It is especially important for people who are at high risk of complications from flu to get the flu vaccine, including:
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions
- People who are immunosuppressed
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Health care workers
Further, to protect a baby, who cannot get the flu vaccine, make sure that everyone in your home, as well as daycare providers get a flu vaccine. This reduces the likelihood of your baby coming into contact with this common and unpredictable virus.
Lastly, take everyday preventive steps to stop the spread of germs.
- Wash your hands often and use respiratory etiquette during flu season. There are many other respiratory viruses out there besides the seasonal flu, and the flu vaccine cannot protect against all of them.
- Use hand sanitizer.
- Postpone play dates with sick kids.
- Wear appropriate outdoor clothing.
- If you are sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.
Contact your pediatrician or health care provider to check when the flu vaccine is available.
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