The flu virus is most common in the United States between October and  May and usually peaks around  January and February. However, you can catch the virus anytime of the year.

 
The best way to protect your family from this upcoming flu season is through the flu vaccine. Flu virus changes  from year to year over time. This makes the viruses unpredictable  so parents should get their family vaccinated as soon as possible.

What is the flu ?

 
Flu, also known as influenza is an infection of the respiratory system ( nose, throat and  lungs ), even though it can affect the whole body. The virus is very contagious and spreads  through the air with coughing and sneezing. You can also get the virus by touching infected door knobs and toys and then touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Symptoms of the flu include the following :

• fever that comes on suddenly (usually above 101°F or 38.3°C )
• stuffy runny nose
• body aches
• chills
• sore throat
• dry , hacking cough
• headache
• being tired more than usual

Who needs the flu vaccine ?

 
The American Academy of  pediatrics recommends  that all people from 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine each year. This includes sibling, parents and caregivers. When everyone is vaccinated, they are less likely to get the virus and as a result there is a lesser chance of passing it on to children.

This flu season’s vaccine

 
These include   either 3 strains (trivalent) or 4 strains (quadrivalent).  These are the strains that have been anticipated to circulate in the United States this flu season.

The trivalent season protects  against 3 seasons just like last seasons. These are Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B .

The quadrivalent strain protest against the 3 strains of the trivalent and adds a different influenza B strain (also the same as last season).

The American Academy of pediatrics doesn’t recommend one vaccine over another this season. However, it is important that everyone  gets vaccinated.

Who should get which flu vaccine ?

 
There are two types of flu vaccines.

• Inactivated influenza vaccine IIV : This is given as a shot and there are two types of shots. The intramuscular (into the muscle) shot is licensed and recommended for anymore 6 months of age and older. These include people with or without chronic medical conditions.The intradermal (into the skin) shot is licensed for use in people through ages 18 to 64 years old.
• Live – attenuated influenza vaccine LAIV : This is sprayed in the nose. This is available for healthy people from the ages if 2 to 49 years old. Some studies show that LAIV may work better than IIV to prevent the flu in young children. LAIV should be considered for healthy children from ages 2  to 8 years when available.

 
Both of these vaccines are good and help protect your child from the virus. Your doctor will help you decide which one is best for your child and family.

Vaccine doses in children

 
The number of doses your child will need depends on his age and past flu  vaccine history.

Children ages 6 months to 8 years need only one dose if they got 

• at least one dose of flu vaccine last year
• 2 flu vaccines since July 1, 2010

 
Children ages 6 month to 8 years need two doses if 

• they do not meet the criteria above
• they are getting the flu vaccine for the first time

 
Children 9 years and older need only one dose.

NOTE

No flu vaccine has been licensed for children less than 6 months of age.

Egg allergy and flu vaccine.

 
According to the American Academy of pediatrics, almost all children with egg allergy can get the flu vaccine.

• children with mid reaction to egg (hives) can receive the flu vaccine
• children with severe reaction to eggs  ( wheezing, double breathing, facial swelling, vomiting) should check with their pediatrician who will in  turn check with an allergist  before giving you the flu vaccine.