How can I help prevent the flu in my child?

The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is given as a shot (injection). A nasal spray is not recommended for the 2017-2018 flu season. The CDC says this is because the nasal spray did not seem to protect against the flu over the last several flu seasons.

Each year, a new flu vaccine is available before the start of the flu season. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about how vaccines work and how well they prevent flu. The first time a child between the ages of 6 months and 8 years gets a flu vaccine, he or she will need a second flu vaccine one month later.

The vaccine is advised for all children 6 months and older. But for some children, it’s more critical for them to get a flu shot. The flu shot should be given to any child who has any of these:

• A long-term heart or lung condition
• An endocrine disorder such as diabetes
• A kidney or liver disorder
• Weak immune system from HIV/AIDS or long-term steroids
• A blood disorder such as sickle cell disease

A flu shot should also be given to:

• A child who has a family member with a chronic health condition
• A child or teen taking aspirin as long-term therapy
• A child with parents or caregivers at high risk of complications from the flu

Some side effects of the vaccine can be like mild flu symptoms, but the vaccine does not cause the flu. Possible side effects of the flu vaccine include:

• Soreness in the arm where the shot was given
• Short-term symptoms such as mild headache or a low-grade fever for about 1 day after the shot
• In rare cases, an allergic reaction in a child who has a severe allergy to eggs. Vaccines are available for those with an egg allergy.

In addition to the flu vaccine, you can do other things to help reduce your child’s risk of getting the flu. You can also:

• Limit your child’s contact with infected people, if possible.
• Have your child wash his or her hands often

And you can help prevent your child spreading the flu to others if you:

• Have your child cover his or her nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze in the crook of the arm.
• Wash your hands before and after caring for your child.
• Clean surfaces in the home that others may touch.