Preventing Influenza, Youth
Influenza, more commonly known as “the flu,” is a viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract includes organs that help you breathe, such as the lungs, nose, and throat. The flu causes many common cold symptoms, as well as a high fever and body aches.
The flu spreads easily from person to person (is contagious). The flu is most common from December through March. This is called flu season. You can catch the flu virus by:
• Breathing in droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
• Touching something that was recently contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
WHAT CAN I DO TO LOWER MY RISK?
There are two ways to make it less likely …show more content…
This is the best way to prevent the flu. A flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Remind your parents to take you to your health care provider, a local clinic, or pharmacy for a flu shot.
○ It is best to get a flu shot in the fall, as soon as it is available. Getting a flu shot during winter or spring is still a good idea. Flu season can last into early spring.
○ The flu requires a different vaccine every year because it is caused by different viruses every year. Even if a flu shot does not completely protect you from all flu viruses, it can reduce the severity of the flu and help prevent complications from the flu.
○ If you have had a reaction to the shot in the past, or if you are allergic to eggs, you and your parents should check with your health care provider before you get a flu shot.
○ Sometimes the vaccine is available as a nasal spray. In some years, the nasal spray has not been as effective against the flu virus. Check with your health care provider if you have questions about this.
• Practice good health habits. This is especially important during flu season.
○ Avoid contact with people who are sick with flu or cold …show more content…
This medicine must be started within a few days of getting flu symptoms. You or your parents may talk with your health care provider about whether you need an antiviral medicine. Your health care provider may recommend one if you have a condition that makes the flu worse or more dangerous for you.
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION:
• KidsHealth.org: http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/center/flu-center.html?ref=search
• Flu.gov: www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination
• American Academy of Family Physicians: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/vaccines/preventing-the-flu.html
SUMMARY
• The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year before flu season starts.
• Even if you get the flu after your shot, your flu may be milder and go away sooner because of your flu shot.
• You can also help prevent the flu by practicing good health habits.
• If you have another health condition and you get the flu, have your parents ask your health care provider about antiviral medicine.
ExitCare® Patient Information ©2012 ExitCare,
Influenza, more commonly known as “the flu,” is a viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract includes organs that help you breathe, such as the lungs, nose, and throat. The flu causes many common cold symptoms, as well as a high fever and body aches.
The flu spreads easily from person to person (is contagious). The flu is most common from December through March. This is called flu season. You can catch the flu virus by:
• Breathing in droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
• Touching something that was recently contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
WHAT CAN I DO TO LOWER MY RISK?
There are two ways to make it less likely …show more content…
This is the best way to prevent the flu. A flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Remind your parents to take you to your health care provider, a local clinic, or pharmacy for a flu shot.
○ It is best to get a flu shot in the fall, as soon as it is available. Getting a flu shot during winter or spring is still a good idea. Flu season can last into early spring.
○ The flu requires a different vaccine every year because it is caused by different viruses every year. Even if a flu shot does not completely protect you from all flu viruses, it can reduce the severity of the flu and help prevent complications from the flu.
○ If you have had a reaction to the shot in the past, or if you are allergic to eggs, you and your parents should check with your health care provider before you get a flu shot.
○ Sometimes the vaccine is available as a nasal spray. In some years, the nasal spray has not been as effective against the flu virus. Check with your health care provider if you have questions about this.
• Practice good health habits. This is especially important during flu season.
○ Avoid contact with people who are sick with flu or cold …show more content…
This medicine must be started within a few days of getting flu symptoms. You or your parents may talk with your health care provider about whether you need an antiviral medicine. Your health care provider may recommend one if you have a condition that makes the flu worse or more dangerous for you.
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION:
• KidsHealth.org: http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/center/flu-center.html?ref=search
• Flu.gov: www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination
• American Academy of Family Physicians: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/vaccines/preventing-the-flu.html
SUMMARY
• The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year before flu season starts.
• Even if you get the flu after your shot, your flu may be milder and go away sooner because of your flu shot.
• You can also help prevent the flu by practicing good health habits.
• If you have another health condition and you get the flu, have your parents ask your health care provider about antiviral medicine.
ExitCare® Patient Information ©2012 ExitCare,