Flu Vaccine: Why It's Important for Your Child

 

Exclusive MNS Library Article 

 

Many parents have justified concerns about giving their child a flu vaccine. Certainly in any area of medicine there are pros and cons. Sometimes the factors are difficult to weigh intelligently, especially for non-experts. But here, most experts do agree, making the decision much easier for parents.

 

The influenza virus is rarely fatal, and causes few serious complications for most kids. One strain, however, did kill half a million Americans in the flu pandemic of 1918. But it is unquestionably a very miserable experience for those who contract the disease. And, there are risks associated with the flu beyond the symptoms that bring on great discomfort. Contracting flu weakens the immune system to other possible conditions, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

 

Flu attacks the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. It leads to a runny nose, high fever, watery eyes, a sore throat and other unpleasant effects. Headaches are common, as are muscular aches. Though similar to the common cold, it typically comes on quicker and hits harder.

 

The influenza virus is spread by contact with infected droplets from those who carry it. Sneezing and coughing are common ways the droplets are sprayed around. Others then breathe them in and receive a dose. But the virus can last up to 48 hours in the open air and droplets containing it can lie on keyboards, desks, and other common objects where they'll be picked up. Touching the eyes, nose, and mouth then transports the virus into the body.

 

There is no cure, per se, only symptomatic relief. The best 'cure' is prevention. The best form of prevention available is a flu vaccine.

 

That vaccine comes in two forms today, a shot or a nasal spray. The shot contains killed viruses that provoke an immune system response that produces antibodies before infection is acquired. The nasal spray contains live viruses, but they've been altered in a way that prevents them from causing the disease. They invoke a similar immune system response.

 

Both forms have their pros and cons.

 

Shots are sometimes painful and induce fear in children. A big needle being poked into an arm is scary, even when it doesn't hurt. But sometimes it does. The result is often soreness near the injection that can last a day. Sometimes a reaction to the vaccine occurs. Kids have good reason not to want one. But vaccine shots are 70%-90% effective in preventing the flu and few kids will have a negative reaction.

 

The nasal spray, by contrast, is painless. There is still some chance of a reaction, particularly since live viruses are used. One downside of the spray is its reduced effectiveness. It is only about 30%-57% effective in preventing the flu, according to figures from the Mayo Clinic. But even this is far better in most cases to contracting the disease. Negative reactions to the spray vary in frequency, but here too they're rare.

 

Some children are at greater risk and should not receive the shots or the spray. Children under 6 months of age or those with a sensitivity to eggs should not receive the shot. Some children are at risk for a serious reaction to the vaccine in either form, sometimes resulting in anaphylaxis. The odds vary by age and many other factors.

 

One helpful additive to getting a flu vaccine is the use of supplements that boost the immune system. Selenium, colostrum, and others can help optimize the immune system and lessen the odds of contracting flu. While not a magic bullet, every little bit helps.