Protect Your Kids From The Flu

Fall has arrived, which means the  will be back. Almost everyone around me, especially kids, has a case of the sniffles.

Perhaps it’s the recent wet weather or maybe it’s the drastic change in temperatures—77 degrees and humid one day, 55 degrees and windy the next. Whatever it is, .

Did you know that you can actually infect someone with the flu before you even have symptoms? It's true! According to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, most people can infect others up to one day before symptoms occur and up to seven days afterward.  

So you can’t protect yourself just by staying away from people who are sick. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a . The flu vaccine, coupled with good hygiene habits, is your best defense against the virus.

Since most children, and grownups for that matter, aren't excited about getting a shot, you may want to consider the FluMist vaccine. It’s delivered through a nasal spray as an alternative to the traditional shot. Although, you should consult with a doctor to ensure the is safe for you or your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also reminds parents that children need to be vaccinated against the flu every year. Should your child have a fever or other signs of the flu, it’s important to keep your child home from school or daycare, until they are fever-free for 24 hours.

I am being proactive this year. My kids had their annual flu shots when they first were available earlier this month. I also intend to drag my husband to later this week for ours. If it were up to me, we wouldn’t get sick at all this year. I'm hopeful the vaccination will help us avoid this year’s flu.

It’s important to contact your child’s doctor if you have any concerns about illnesses, vaccinations or other health-related issues.