The flu shot acts as a vital defence, significantly reducing the risk of influenza-related complications in children.
The monsoon season conjures up relief from the scorching heat with drizzling rains and the sound of bursting clouds. As much as the monsoon season protects us from the heat wave, it also brings in the fear of battling food and water-borne diseases. Some of the most common infections that spread rapidly during the rain are common cold or flu infections. These seasonal infections can lead to significant absenteeism from schools or offices, affecting people’s daily lives. Flu cases are quite common among children, resulting in a runny nose, cough, and fever. As a result, it becomes essential to vaccinate children before the monsoon season.
Dr Anish Pillai, lead consultant in neonatology and paediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals in Kharghar and Navi Mumbai, talked to HT about the importance of flu vaccinations for children. He starts 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 diseases seen in children during the rainy season. Some children may suffer from severe symptoms such as breathlessness, hypoxia, irritability, and decreased appetite and require admission to the hospital as well. Usually, children get infected with influenza when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or sometimes even talks in front of them. The infected droplets tend to reach the lungs and infect them.
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He explained, “The droplets in the air can spread up to about 7 feet away and reach others who are in the vicinity. So, for kids going to daycare or school, the monsoon season becomes a constant cycle of repeated flu infections and recovery. The flu vaccine not only protects the child but also shields those around them, including older family members and classmates.” He continued that flu vaccinations are developed every year with new additions to counter the strains. The flu vaccines have inactivated flu viruses, i.e., influenza A and B, in them. This makes them highly efficacious and provides a lot of protection.
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Dr. Anish Pillai emphasised the fact that parents should not hesitate to vaccinate their children, fearing some common side effects like fever, headache, and swelling. Vaccinating against influenza will help children boost their immunity and prevent severe symptoms or complications.
