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Health officials urge all children over six months to be vaccinated as quickly as possible to avoid a new season. And to encourage children with needle problems to be vaccinated, a leading pediatric group softens their insistence on getting it by injection rather than painless nasal spray.
That's right, children. If you dread the needle, impress your parents by letting them know that you prefer the "Live Intranasal Live Influenza Vaccine" – and the American Academy of Pediatrics approves it.
"Unlike the last two seasons, the Academy recommends the limited use of the nasal spray vaccine. But the Pediatric Academy always advises that the shot be better.
Bert Kelly, a spokesperson for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Tuesday that the CDC did not advocate any preference for any form of influenza vaccine or the like.
"The most important thing is that all people 6 months and older get a flu shot every year," Kelly said. "If you have questions about the vaccine that's right for you, talk to your doctor or other health professional."
The last season of the flu was a bad one. According to the Academy of Pediatrics, the 2017-2018 season ranks third among the most severe since 2003-2004 and was the first to be classified as having high severity in all age groups.
"It was a busy year," said Sara Cody, head of health for Santa Clara County. She urged people to be vaccinated against the Halloween flu so that the vaccine has time to boost the immunity of their body. "Basically, everyone needs it."
Excluding the 2009 pandemic, the 179 pediatric deaths reported until August 18, 2018 – half of which occurred in healthy children – are the highest since 2004 when pediatric deaths associated with influenza began to occur. be reported nationally.
How effective is this year's vaccine? Cody said it was impossible to say right away because the flu season was not unleashed. But she and other health officials say that even a poorly matched vaccine with the dominant flu strain is better than nothing.
"Last season it was not as good," said Cody. "But what's important to remember is that even if the virus that circulates is not well matched, you can still benefit from the vaccine. So even if you're vaccinated and you get sick, you'll probably be less sick than if you had not been vaccinated. It prevents hospitalizations and deaths.
The Academy of Pediatrics has not recommended the nasal spray during the last two seasons due to uneven effectiveness. This year, he recommends the "limited" use of the spray "for children who would not otherwise receive a flu shot (and for whom it fits according to age and health status) ".
The flu season peaks in the United States between December and February, says the CDC, and may last until May. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.
"Most people who suffer from the flu can take care of themselves at home," said Cody. "The most important thing is that they stay hydrated and do not spread the infection to others. When you're sick, stay home, do not be a hero.
Regular hand washing and coughing or sneezing help prevent the spread of the virus, "said Cody. Most health care plans have registered nurses who can help patients and their families decide if they need to see a doctor. Symptoms of concern include shortness of breath, chest pain and fever that does not respond to over-the-counter medications.
Cody noted that flu vaccines are widely available – most pharmacies now offer them – and that they are usually covered by insurance.
"There should be no barriers," said Cody, "to get the vaccine."
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