Information on the Flu Shot from Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care ~ #PR

This is from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

1.       Why should my child get the flu shot this year?

It is a question many parents face.

Dr. Trey Coffey, a doctor at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Kids and a mom of two, recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all children six months and older to ensure they don’t become seriously ill with the flu.

To help separate fact from fiction, Dr. Coffey provides her top reasons why she recommends your children get the flu shot this year and each year.

·        It helps to protect your child from getting the flu and other related complications. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the flu shot reduced children’s risk of hospital admissions by 74 per cent during the 2010-2012 flu seasons.

·        It helps to protect your family from getting the flu and other related complications. The flu shot can also help protect others in your family, including babies younger than 6 months who are too young to get the vaccine. Infants are more at risk of developing serious complications if they get sick with the flu.

·        It protects your child from others who may have the flu. Because of close proximity to other children either in school or when participating in extra-curricular activities, those aged 6-10 are most likely to spread the virus.

• It’s safe. In Canada, all vaccines, including the flu vaccine, are highly regulated. In Ontario, the flu vaccine safety and adverse events are monitored on an ongoing basis by Public Health Ontario and reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada.  

·        Serious reactions from the vaccine are rare. The most common reactions include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot is given, lasting up to two days.  Vaccine components rarely cause allergic reactions.

·        The flu is a serious illness. Common cold and flu symptoms are often similar, however the flu is not a cold. It has potentially serious consequences, such as hospitalization or even death for those who are at greater risk, including young children.

·        Flu spreads quickly and easily. The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing, but also by touching objects or surfaces with flu viruses on them and then by touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Flu viruses can survive on surfaces up to 48 hours.

·        The flu shot is easy to get. Pharmacists across the province administer the free flu shot to Ontarians five years of age and older. Your health care provider or local public health flu clinic can provide the flu shot if you have children from six months to under five years old.

·        It prevents your child from missing out. Getting the flu shot helps to protect your children from getting sick so that they can enjoy  childhood milestones such as birthdays, field trips and recitals.  

For additional information on the flu shot, or to locate the nearest flu shot clinic to you, visit www.ontario.ca/flu.    

2.       Unsure about the flu shot? Your questions answered

According to Ontario’s Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robin Williams, some Ontario parents still have questions about getting the flu shot for their children.

When deciding whether you and your children should be vaccinated, it’s the facts that count. We sat down with Dr. Williams to get answers to the most frequently asked flu shot questions.

Is the flu shot safe?

In Canada, there are very strict guidelines for making vaccines and safety is a priority. The flu vaccine is safe in healthy children and adults. Serious reactions from the vaccine are rare. Most common reactions include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot has been given, lasting up to two days. Vaccine components rarely cause allergic reactions. Talk to your health care provider regarding the risks and benefits of flu vaccination.

Does the flu shot work?

Yes, a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the flu shot reduced children’s risk of influenza-related admissions by 74 per cent during the 2010-2012 flu seasons.

Is living a healthy and active lifestyle enough to stop you from getting the flu?

While eating well, exercising and washing your hands are certainly important to living a healthy lifestyle, these practices alone can’t prevent you from getting the flu.  The flu shot is the best way to avoid getting the flu and becoming seriously ill.

How does the flu shot work?

Vaccination helps strengthen your body's natural immune response against the flu. The flu shot stimulates your immune system to build antibodies against the virus, making it stronger and ready to fight off the flu.

Can the flu shot cause autism or Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Some parents express concern that vaccines can cause health issues, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) or autism. GBS may be associated with the influenza vaccine (1 per million recipients), but is more likely to occur after you get infected with the flu (1 per 60,000). The National Advisory Committee on Immunization indicates that alleged health effects from vaccines do not cause autism.

How does the flu virus spread?

The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person coughing or sneezing, but also by touching objects or surfaces with flu viruses on them and then by touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Studies show that flu viruses can survive on surfaces up to 48 hours. Sharing personal items like cell phones, eating utensils, pens and drinks also contribute to the spread of the flu.

What are the most common symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms can vary from person-to-person, but usually includes fever, chills, cough, runny eyes, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, extreme weakness, and fatigue. Most people will recover within a week to 10 days, but some individuals, including children, are at increased risk of severe complications.

What is the difference between the cold and the flu?

Common cold and flu symptoms are often similar, however, the flu is not a cold. It has potentially serious consequences, such as hospitalization or even death for the most vulnerable, including young children. Last year in Ontario, there were more than 700 children under 10 with confirmed influenza that were hospitalized and eight deaths were reported. Symptoms accompanying the flu often include: fever or chills, body and muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

For more information about the flu, or to locate the nearest flu shot clinic to you, visit www.ontario.ca/flu. 

3.       The keys to a successful flu shot experience for your child

For many children, the idea of their first flu shot is scary – as many firsts are.

The key to a successful flu shot experience is preparation, says Dr. Trey Coffey, a doctor at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children and a mom of two. “Your child’s flu shot doesn’t have to be a scary or painful experience. I’ve found it helpful to prepare them ahead of time, explaining that the vaccine is part of their overall health routine.”

Before

·         Be honest with your child; talk to them about why their flu shot is an important part of staying healthy.

·         Their flu shot may pinch and be sore or red later, but it will help protect them from getting sick later.

·         Explain that the whole family is involved – and show it by getting your flu shot as well.

During

·         Support your child as much as they need: come with them; hold their hands; even let them sit on your lap.

·         Use distractions, if needed, like their favourite toy, book, or game.

·         Relax their breathing. Having them take slow, deep breaths will help to calm any nervousness.

After

·         Congratulate their successful flu shot experience!

·         Show your child that the flu shot is part of a normal health routine by continuing your day with regular activities.

For more information about the flu, or to locate the nearest flu shot clinic to you, visit www.ontario.ca/flu. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post.