The Flu Season is upon us!

Flu Shot Dallas | Influenza Virus Dallas | Richardson PediatricianWe predict that this season’s flu virus looks much like last year’s. So should you skip the flu vaccine this season? NO! The flu vaccine lasts approximately a year with the Flumist nasal vaccine lasting a good 12 months, as opposed to the injection which looses it’s strength after 6-9 months
It is recommended by the CDC and the AAP that all children 6 months and older receive the vaccine every season.
The influenza virus can cause severe complications in people who have underlying health problems.such as asthma, diabetes, colitis, or heart disease. Also the young are particulary suseptible to pneumonia as a complication. This can be a severe complication resulting in hospitalization or unfortunately death.
Many of my parents say that they got the flu from the vaccine. This is impossible and refuted by all of the infectious disease experts. The vaccine is attenuated and can not cause disease. I think that since we give the vaccine throughout the flu season, it is a coincidence that some may contract the virus during the immunization period. Also, should anyone get the flu even though vaccinated, the course of the illness
The vaccine in either form is not recommended for egg allergic patients. However, we are now giving the vaccine to egg allergic patients under very controlled circumstances, usually in the office of an allergist who can handle any side effects.
The flu usually causes high fever, chills, cough, headache and sore throat. It usually lasts 7-10 days, the worst part being the first 3-4 days. Flu is highly contagious and will run through a family quickly. Good hand washing is critical. Just this simple habit can decrease the spread of the virus greatly. Teach children to cough into their elbow and wash hands often.
We will give the flu vaccine every day, but if it is more convenient, we have some Saturday flu clinics left. Everyone is welcome, family and friends. Please call to set up a time. This will be a very quick appointment and you will have the piece of mind that your family is protected.