Back-to-school season is officially here, and parents are jumping for joy at the thought of once again packing their kids onto the big yellow bus and sending them off to school. However, back to school means your kids will once again be mingling with the masses, and potentially bringing another concern home with them: influenza.
Back-to-school season frequently kicks off the flu season, and with your child coming into contact with so many other children on a daily basis, the chance of their picking it up and spreading it around the home is much greater. That's why this year, doctors are recommending flu shots be a part of your back-to-school routine, according to CBS News.
However, even a vaccine won't guarantee your house will stay flu-free this year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) reported that during the 2012-2013 flu season, the available vaccine was only 56 percent effective in warding off influenza.
The 2013-2013 season was particularly harsh for flu victims, who had to fight off two separate strains of influenza that year. The first strain, flu A, hit the hardest–only 53 percent of those vaccinated were able to stay flu-free. The second strain, flu B, wasn't quite so aggressive, with only 33 percent of vaccinated individuals reporting cases of influenza. All told, 44 percent of those inoculated still had to visit their doctor's office for flu-related reasons, according to the CDC.
The flu is no fun for anyone, but children are among the most susceptible to the illness. It's important that parents take every possible precaution in helping their child prevent influenza from occurring. Make sure your child is stocked with antibacterial soap to use in public places such as restrooms or the classroom. Teach him to use proper hygiene, such as hand-washing and covering his mouth while coughing or sneezing. Always ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather outside, and consider sending him to school with a spare sweatshirt or scarf in case he's ever caught without. Finally, if your child is exhibiting cold- or flu-like symptoms, keep him home so he doesn't spread it to other children.
If your child does contract the influenza virus, visit your pediatrician and make sure he or she has access to the medicine needed. No one likes to take their medicine, but it's better than suffering through the flu without it. Flavored treatments like those offered by FLAVORx can help make the medicine go down a little easier, so that you can all get through the flu season together. Talk to your pharmacist about FLAVORx options available for your child.
