Timely Tip: Be a Love Bug, Not a Flu Bug

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Kaiser Permanente wants your child to Spread Hugs Not Bugs, by making sure that everyone in your family gets a flu shot, you can avoid the flu and its serious complications. Learn more below:

• The flu is worse than the common cold. Fever (usually high), body aches, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are just no fun for anyone, especially your child.
• Flu vaccination season begins in Oct and continues through January and into March.
• An influenza vaccination is safe and effective, and the best way to protect you and your family against the flu. Vaccinating your child after December (e.g., January through March) can still help protect you from the flu.
• Children, especially those under 5 years old, are at increased risk of hospitalization from the flu. Children less than 6 months old cannot be vaccinated, so it’s especially important to vaccinate everyone who lives with or cares for them.
• Antibiotics only kill bacteria, not viruses. Colds and flu are cause by viruses. Antibiotics can be harmful when given and not necessary.

What are 2 different types of flu vaccines?

Inactivated Influenza Vaccine What You Need to Know (2011-2012)
The flu shot contains an inactivated (“dead”) virus. It cannot give you the flu. A flu shot is appropriate for anyone 6 months or older, including pregnant women and people with a chronic condition (such as asthma or diabetes). Read more in our vaccine information sheet by clicking on the link above.

Live, Intranasal Influenza Vaccine (2010-2011)
The flu nasal-spray (FluMist) vaccine, contains a live, attenuated (weakened) virus. It is recommended for people 2 to 49 years old who are not pregnant and do not have a chronic condition, such as asthma or diabetes. FluMist may provide more protection than a flu shot in years when the flu vaccine is not well-matched to the flu that is circulating in the community.

Who needs a flu Vaccine?
Everyone in your household should get a yearly flu shot, but it’s especially important for:

• Children 6 months through 18 years old
• Pregnant women
• Anyone 50 years or older
• Anyone with a chronic health condition or who has a weakened immune system
• Anyone living with or caring for someone in one of these categories or with a child under 6 months old.

Who should NOT get a flu Vaccine?
Anyone with:

• A severe allergy to hen’s eggs
• A severe reaction to flu shot in the past
• A history of Guillian-Barre Syndrome

How can you get vaccinated?
Call our Regional Flu Hotline at 1-800-KP-FLU-11 (1-800-573-5811) for more information.

What should you know about Cough and Cold products?
Children get better with time. Cold and flu medicines are not necessary and in some cases may be dangerous.

• Do not give cough and cold products to children younger than 4 years old unless your healthcare provider specifically directs you to.
• Do not give children medicine that is packaged and made for adults. Use only products marked for use in babies, infants or children (sometimes labeled “for pediatric use”).
• If your child is taking other OTC (over the counter) or prescription medicines make sure your healthcare provider reviews and approves their combined use.
• Read and follow the directions in the “Drug Facts” box. Do not give a child medicine more often or in greater amounts than is stated on the package. Be sure you know the active ingredients and warnings.
• For liquid products, use the measuring device (dropper, dosing cup, or dosing spoon) that is packaged with each different medicine and is marked to deliver the recommended dose.
• A kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon is NOT an appropriate measuring device for giving medicines to children.
• If a child’s condition worsens or does not improve, stop using the product and immediately call Kaiser Permanente to speak to an advice nurse.

What to do if your child does catch the flu?
Here are some additional Resources and information to help you and your family feel better.
Colds and Flu in Children
Fever Facts
Pediatric Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
American Academy of Pediatrics

Disclaimer
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