Information for Parents

Influenza and your CHILD

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Safer. Healthier. Peopleä

FLU IS A SEVERE ILLNESS

Flu (or influenza) is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The

flu usually spreads through the air from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

· Unlike the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and can be life threatening

· Each year over 114,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu

· Each year over 36,000 people in the U.S. die from complications of the flu

Influenza and its complications are the 6th leading cause of death among children 4 years old and younger!

Some children are at high risk of having complications from the flu. Flu could make them very sick or even kill them. The following children need to be vaccinated each year to prevent the flu:

n      Infants 6-23 months of age

n      Children 24 months to 18 years of age with chronic health problems like

            · asthma or other problems of the lungs

            · immune suppression

            · chronic kidney disease

            · heart disease

· HIV/AIDS

            · diabetes    

· sickle cell anemia

n      Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

Children under 6 months old can also get very sick from the flu. But they are too young to get flu vaccine. The best way to protect them is to make sure that you, their family members, and their caregivers are vaccinated.

The Best Time to Vaccinate

is October or November

Flu Vaccine Facts and Myths

“People can die from the flu.”  TRUE

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious disease of the lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are 65 years and older. But small children less than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

“Even if I get flu vaccine, I can still get a mild case of the flu.”  TRUE

The vaccine usually protects most people from the flu. Sometimes a person who receives flu vaccine can get the flu but will be far less sick than without the vaccine. Flu vaccine will not protect you from other viruses that sometimes feel like the flu.

“The side effects are worse than the flu.”  FALSE

The worst side effect you’re likely to get with injectable vaccine is a sore arm. The nasal mist flu vaccine might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and cough. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.

“Not everyone can take flu vaccine.”  TRUE

You might not be able to get this protection if you are allergic to eggs (used in making the vaccine), are very ill with a high fever, or have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.

“Only older people need flu vaccine.”  FALSE

Adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease need to get flu vaccine. People who are active and healthy can benefit from the protection the flu vaccine offers.

“You must get a flu vaccine before December.”  FALSE

Flu vaccine can be given before or during the flu season. While the best time to get flu vaccine is October or November, getting immunized in December or later can still protect you against the flu.

Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones.

Get your flu vaccine!

For more information, ask your health care provider
or call the CDC IMMUNIZATION HOTLINE

English  800-232-2522    Español  800-232-0233    Website www.cdc.gov/nip/flu

To Protect Yourself & Those You Love

get immunized against

influenza

BEST TIME!

October & November

But you can still get vaccinated in December and beyond

The “GET-IMMUNIZED-EARLY” List:

n      Adults aged 50 or over—Even if you’re in great health!

n      Infants aged 6 months to 23 months
Children younger than 2 years old have one of the highest rates of hospitalizations due to influenza

n      Anyone with a chronic health condition
These include: heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, cancer, HIV/AIDS

n      Children 6 months to 8 years old getting flu vaccine for the first time
These children will need a follow-up booster one month after the first dose of vaccine

n      Women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during flu season, which is typically November–March

n      Health care workers

n      Household contacts or caregivers of adults or children at high risk*

*high risk includes adults 65 and older, infants under 24 months (babies
less than 6 months can get influenza but are too young to get flu vaccine), anyone with chronic health problems, and pregnant women

Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones.

Get Your Flu Vaccine!

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information,

ask your doctor or call the CDC IMMUNIZATION HOTLINE

English 800-232-2522    Español 800-232-0233   Website www.cdc.gov/nip/flu