Information About Flu Shots for Kids
Getting a flu shot is imperative for anyone at increased risk for contracting the influenza virus. The flu is an infection in the body that causes body aces, fever, headache, cough, and chills. The flu usually lasts for less than two weeks. The flu shot is an injection that helps protect the body from getting full- blown flu symptoms.
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Children Are High-Risk Cases
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Children under the age of five have an increased risk for contracting the flu. In some instances, children can even die from the flu. Because of this risk, many doctors recommend that a flu shot be given to all children ages six months to 18 years. Children with asthma, diabetes, heart disorders, kidney disease, lung disorders, anemia, and immune system issues have a higher risk of contracting flu that others.
When it Should be Given
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Flu season usually starts in November and ends in April. In order to be protected, a child should be given the flu vaccine in the early fall. It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect. A new flu vaccine is given every year to fight the most current strains of the virus. Because of this, the flu shot must be given annually.
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Where to get the shot
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Children can get flu vaccines from various places. Most children can get a flu shot from the office of their primary care physician. They can also get the flu vaccine at places like drug stores at special times of the year; the best way to find these mobile vaccine spots is to check with your local health department for specific dates and times.
Why it Helps
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The flu vaccine shot helps children from getting a serious case of the flu and in most instances, it prevents children from getting it all together. However, some children still come down a mild case of the virus. Moreover, without the shot, many children die, which is why this shot is so important.
Side Effects
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The side effects from the flu are minor and more inconvenient than anything. The vaccination area where injected may be red and sore. Some children may get the chills, headache and slight aches after receiving the shot. Most flu shot symptoms disappear after 24 hours.
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