Taking a flu shot is important because it can lead to serious complications, such as dehydration, bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections. The CDC estimates that influenza leads to 200,000 hospitalizations every year. In fact, it’s estimated that 80,000 people died during the 2017-2018 flu season.
If you are considering foregoing taking your flu shot this year, this article will shed light on logical reasons to go ahead and get it.
Sound Reasons to Have Your Child Get a Flu Shot ASAP
1 – Getting a flu shot can reduce sick days
Your child can get sick from the flu from November to April. The flu is highly contagious, so if your child is sick, he’s going to be around other kids. If other kids are sick, your child is going to be around other people that could be infected. If those people have an occupational risk, then your child can be exposed to the flu at school.
The CDC recommends that if your child takes prescription asthma or allergy medicines, then they should get the flu shot every year. By getting the flu shot and avoiding the illness, they won’t have to miss school.
2 – There is such a thing as a needle-free flu vaccine
Thankfully for those that do not like getting their shots with a needle, there is a needle-free flu vaccine. It’s not available for every flu strain. But if it is, then the vaccine is administered through the nose. This is similar to the flu mist that was used a few years ago. Many schools require the flu shot, so if your child is not okay with needles, this is a great option.
3 – The flu shot changes each year
Each year, the flu shot will work against the typical strains of the flu. If your child has received the flu shot in the past, it’s a good idea to have them get another one this year. This way, they are protected against the strains of the flu that are rising. Some years there are more severe strains, which impact the body more than other years. But the potential risk only increases if your child has not had a shot.
4 – You make the world safer by having the shot
Your child is not the only one that can get the flu. If your child is around other children, then it’s important that they have had their shot. This is because kids tend to touch more things, such as doorknobs at school and pencils and paper at school. If your child has had a shot and helps to prevent the spread of the flu, that can prevent those other children from getting sick.
Conclusion
Flu shots can seem scary to some. You may not like needle shots. Or it could be that you are just hesitant to get the vaccine. There are several reasons to get the flu shot. Some of the reasons include preserving your child’s physical and mental health, preventing him or her from missing school, and protecting others.
If you need more information about kids’ flu shots, come to Your Kids Urgent Care. Your Kids Urgent Care serves as the intermediary between a child’s primary care physician and the Emergency Room. When children get sick after-hours or on holidays, parents shouldn’t have to make the troublesome decision of either going to the Emergency Room or doing nothing. Call and inquire about flu shots in Orlando, FL today!
