From the Yavapai County Community Health Services

Keeping Children Healthy During Flu Season

Prescott, AZ— Influenza activity in Arizona is often highest during February, so there is still time to vaccinate children who are eligible under the current guidelines to receive a flu shot. Parents can call Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) to schedule a flu shot if their unvaccinated children meet at least one of the guidelines below:
* All children from 6 – 23 months of age
* All children and adolescents from 2 – 18 years of age who have asthma, diabetes, or other chronic medical conditions
* All children and adolescents from 2 – 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy
* All children who live in the same home
- With a pregnant woman
- with a child less than 6 months of age; or
- with a child or adult who has chronic medical conditions;  or
- who have regular contact with persons age 65 and older.

Studies cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that children less than two years old can develop serious flu complications like dehydration, pneumonia, sinus problems or ear infection more easily than older children. Hoping to reduce the number of hospital visits for such young children, the CDC has added influenza vaccine to the 2004 list of recommended immunizations for children.

There is no vaccine approved for use in children younger than 6 months of age, so brothers, sisters, parents and any household contacts or out-of-home caretakers of a child under six months of age should receive a flu shot to protect the infant from exposure to the flu virus.
CDC guidelines recommend a series of two shots at least 4 weeks apart for children less than 9 years of age if it is their first immunization for the flu. This extra dose of protection will boost the antibodies needed to resist the flu virus strains that often spread more easily than the cold virus.

YCCHS and many local doctor offices can provide flu shots for children. The standard YCCHS charge to vaccinate a child against the flu is $15, but they may waive the fee under certain circumstances. There is no charge for children who have AHCCCS insurance coverage.
To make an appointment with YCCHS for a children’s flu shot, call 583-1000 in the Prescott area, or 639-8130 in Cottonwood.

The flu vaccine appointment line for adults is open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Friday, December 31. For adult flu shot appointments in Prescott or Prescott Valley, call 442-5613. For adult flu shot appointments offered in Cottonwood, call 639-8139.

FLU SYMPTOMS
Parents and caregivers, as well as educators and school staff can do many things to help keep children from spreading the flu virus:

* Teach or coach children to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds under warm, soapy water.

* Train children to turn their head and sneeze into their arm sleeve or cough into a tissue rather than their hands.

* Clean frequently touched surfaces and shared items at least once every day with a disinfectant.

* Keep sick children at home and away from others in the household as much as possible while making sure that they get proper rest and plenty of water.

The flu virus can infect a person up to four days before they even feel symptoms. People can also spread flu virus a day before they show any symptoms.  Flu virus can spread from person to person through saliva, droplets from a cough or a sneeze, or even through contact with surfaces touched by an infected person. People can spread the virus to others for about a week after they develop symptoms.

To be safe, avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms, wash hands frequently and do not rub eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Boost your immune system by getting plenty of rest, eating good foods and drinking water rather than other beverages.  Get a flu shot if you are eligible. The flu season can last into April.

Be aware if you or your child shows any of the following flu symptoms, which can start very quickly:
* Fever                   
* Headache
* Sore throat           
* Dry cough
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Extreme tiredness
* Muscle aches
* Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common among children than adults)

To be safe, children and teenagers with flu-like symptoms should avoid taking aspirin or medications that contain aspirin. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen products are better choices that will not lead to the rare and sometimes fatal condition called “Reyes Syndrome” which is suspiciously linked to the administration of aspirin to children having a respiratory illness such as the flu. Parents should seek prompt medical attention for children who develop coma or seem to have difficulty waking or paying attention after having the flu.
 
Health officials expect flu activity in the United States to increase during late January and the month of February. In Arizona and over 30 other states, flu activity has been sporadic. Once the flu season gets started, it can grow quickly and usually lasts a couple of months.

© 2004 Lonesome Valley Newspaper, Corp. All Rights Reserved.

JULY 2008

 

 

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