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When a child gets the flu, it's not just sick in bed for a week or more, but the disease can also have serious or life-threatening consequences. In fact, 180 children have died from the flu during the 2017-2018 season, one of the most serious ever recorded. Despite the consensus of the medical community, a new national survey conducted by the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital Orlando Health reveals that a shocking number of parents are still skeptical about the safety and effectiveness of the flu shot.
"We know that there are many myths and misconceptions about the flu," said Jean Moorjani, MD, pediatrician certified by the Arnold Palmer Hospital Council. "Nowadays, we have so many ways to get information, so if you have any questions or concerns, we recommend that you consult a doctor you trust to get the right information on what to do to protect yourself. and protect their families. "
The survey found that more than half of parents with children under 18 think their child can catch the flu as a result of the flu shot, while one-third think the vaccine does not protect against the flu.
Moorjani says that many parents do not know that it takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered for the body to develop antibodies that adequately protect it against the flu, during which a person is always likely to contract the virus. When a person gets sick during this period, she may mistakenly assume that the flu was caused by the shot.
"The parts of the virus that are used in the vaccine are completely dead, so you can not get vaccinated against the flu," Moorjani said. "Your body needs time to strengthen and get ready for the influenza season, which is why we recommend everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible." If you are infected with the flu shortly afterwards vaccinated, your body may not be able to fight it. "
In addition to the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine, the survey also found that many parents also questioned the safety of the vaccine. 30% think the flu vaccine is a conspiracy, while 28% think it can cause autism.
"After extensive studies, we know that the flu shot is safe," said Moorjani. "You can not get autism because of the flu shot. It is not a plot to recommend a doctor. Doctors recommend it because we know from science, research and facts that this is the best way to protect yourself and protect yourself. your family against the flu ".
Ehren McMichael makes it a point of honor to bring his three children to get the flu shot each fall. Although she knows that the vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing the flu, she knows that it is the best method available to keep her family healthy during the flu season.
"My youngest child caught the flu last year before we could get the flu shot, it was miserable for about four days," said McMichael. "I know mothers who believe a lot in the misinformation that exists, but I think our pediatrician is the best person for whom we can get information.As a parent, the flu vaccine is only one Another level of protection I can give my children, and with so many places offering flu vaccines, it's very simple. "
Experts recommend that all people over six months of age be vaccinated against influenza and the sooner the better. If you have a choice, doctors say that the vaccine has been shown to be more effective than the nasal spray in preventing the flu. If your child is under eight years old and it is the first time that he is vaccinated against the flu, he will need two injections spaced one month apart to strengthen his resistance. The vaccine not only protects those who receive it, but also vulnerable populations, such as infants, who can not be vaccinated and are more likely to suffer serious health effects from influenza.
Source: Orlando Health
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