Children become infected with the flu when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or sometimes even talks in front of them.
The flu vaccine acts as a vital defense and significantly reduces the risk of flu-related complications in children.
The monsoon season relieves the scorching heat with drizzles and the sound of breaking clouds. As much as the monsoon season protects us from the heat wave, it also creates fear of fighting food- and water-borne diseases. Some of the most common infections that spread quickly during rain are the common cold or flu. These seasonal infections can cause significant absenteeism in schools or offices, affecting people's daily lives. Cases of the flu are quite common among children and cause a runny nose, cough and fever. As a result, it is essential to vaccinate children before the monsoon season.
Dr Anish Pillai, senior consultant in neonatology and paediatrics at Motherhood hospitals in Kharghar and Navi Mumbai, spoke to HT about the importance of flu vaccination in children. He begins by defining influenza, which is a contagious viral infection that affects the airways and lungs of a child and is considered one of the most common respiratory illnesses seen in children during the rainy season. Some children may suffer serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hypoxia, irritability and decreased appetite and also require admission to hospital. Children usually become infected with the flu when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or sometimes even talks in front of them. Infected droplets tend to reach the lungs and infect them.
He explained: “Droplets in the air can spread up to about 7 feet away and reach other people who are nearby. So for children going to daycare or school, the monsoon season becomes a constant cycle of repeated flu infections and recoveries. “The flu vaccine not only protects the child but also protects those around them, including older family members and classmates.” He continued that the flu vaccine is developed each year with new additions to counter strains. Flu vaccines contain inactivated flu viruses, namely influenza A and B. This makes them very effective and provides a lot of protection.
Dr Anish Pillai emphasized on the fact that parents should not hesitate to vaccinate their children, fearing some common side effects like fever, headache and swelling. The flu vaccine will help children boost their immunity and prevent serious symptoms or complications.
