While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later. Much of this is due to being around others from traveling during the holidays and with the kids returning to school or daycare.
The flu can easily spread from person to person via tiny droplets created when a person talks, coughs or sneezes and may spread up to six feet away.
Children tend to be the spreaders of germs and viruses, putting themselves and others at higher risk for catching the flu.
The influenza virus changes every year and this particular strain of the virus is tricky because initially it can look like the common cold when in fact it is anything but. “Everyone over the age of six months should get vaccinated each year for the best protection against the flu,” explains pediatrician Alexandria Niewiadomski-Ayala, M.D. of Children’s Physicians in Jupiter.
Some children 6 months through 8 years of age may require two doses of influenza vaccine. Your child’s pediatrician will help determine what dose is recommended for your child.
To avoid being another case of the flu, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently; cover nose and mouth with a sleeve/elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs; wipe down surfaces with a bleach solution to effectively kill germs; get a good amount of sleep; stay hydrated; and keep a safe distance from others who could be sick.
The best way to protect children younger than 6 months old, who are too young to be vaccinated, is to make sure people around them are vaccinated.
Keep your children home from school or daycare at the first sign of illness. To make sure kids are fully recovered you should keep them home for a minimum of 24 hours after vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
“The flu is treatable with medication if it's caught early enough,” stated Dr. Niewiadomski-Ayala. “If you or your child is displaying any flu-like symptoms, keep your distance from others and go see a doctor.” Dr. Niewiadomski-Ayala also recommends to call your pediatrician’s office ahead to tell them what symptoms your child has so they can see you quickly and prevent exposing other people in the waiting room.
The Children’s Physicians is a skilled team of pediatricians and nurse practitioners providing comprehensive medical care to infants, children and adolescents located at 270 South Central Blvd. Suite 104, Jupiter.
For more information, click HERE to visit online. You can also call the Palm Beach Gardens location at 561-626-4000 or call the Jupiter location at 561-743-9000.
We are proud to present Children's Physicians as a sponsor of Macaroni Kid Palm Beach Gardens/Jupiter.
For more information, click HERE to visit online. You can also call the Palm Beach Gardens location at 561-626-4000 or call the Jupiter location at 561-743-9000.
We are proud to present Children's Physicians as a sponsor of Macaroni Kid Palm Beach Gardens/Jupiter.
