There are four different types of viruses that can cause Influenza, commonly called flu. These circulate throughout the year but spread faster during the monsoons and winter because of temperature fluctuations. Children can get flu from any of the viruses and soon the whole household may get down with Flu. The flu virus infects the nose, throat, and sometimes lungs. It is one of the major causes of hospitalisation and death in children below 5 years of age and elderly people. Complications of flu include bacterial pneumonia, ear& sinus infections and worsening of medical conditions.
A child’s developing immunity and an elderly person’s waning immunity is often unable to fight against these complications. The 4-in-1 flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimise the risk of getting infected by any of the four viruses. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) and the World Health Organization recommend that children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years and Elderly above 50 years should be given flu vaccination every year to prevent complications.
Speaking about the 4-in-1 flu vaccination, Dr. Sunil Agrawal, Cradle Hospital, said, “In my clinical experience, around 15% to 20% of the children who catch flu, develop acute respiratory infections during the monsoon season. The annual 4-in-1 flu vaccination can prevent flu and its complications in children. Parents should speak to their doctors and get their children the annual flu vaccination to protect them from flu this season.”
The flu virus can be transmitted from child to child or adult to child very quickly, even before the infected person begins to show any signs of flu. Some common symptoms of flu are cough, fever, chills, sore throat, tiredness muscle ache and headache. The flu virus spreads through respiratory droplets as an infected child or adult speaks, coughs or sneezes. If these droplets fall on surfaces such as doors, school desks, books, or toys they can be picked by any other child who touches these things. Schools and playgrounds are places where both children and adults can pass on flu virus to others.
The need for an annual 4-in-1 flu vaccination has a proven and well-recognised reason. All four types of flu viruses mutate continuously and each year new strains circulate. The immunity provided by the previous vaccination is not enough to protect against these mutated strains. Each year the WHO, based on analysis, identifies the virus strains most likely to be active and the annual vaccination is formulated to counter these. The CDC recommends that children who suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or other chronic conditions and who are at higher risk of flu should get the annual flu vaccination even after the age of 5 years.
Flu in children can be a source of disruption and worry for the entire family. Even in mild cases, individuals can take up to 8-10 days to recover. Children miss school and parents need to adjust their work schedule to tend to sick children. Good hygiene at home and school becomes important to prevent flu in addition to vaccination. Children should be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water frequently. Surfaces, toys, and other objects which are touched by children often must be sanitised regularly. If a child is ill, they must remain at home and not be sent to playschool or childcare centres. Parents should speak to their paediatrician to learn more about flu, its complications and vaccination
which can prevent it.