As the monsoon season gets closer, doctors are warning parents to prepare for a rise in flu cases among children. Rainy weather often brings more infections, especially cough, cold, fever, and flu. While many parents focus on protecting children from common seasonal illnesses, they often forget about the flu vaccine.
Doctors say this can be a mistake because flu can be serious, especially for babies and small children.
According to child health experts, June is the best time to give the flu vaccine to children who are six months old or older. This gives the body enough time to build protection before flu cases start increasing during the rainy season.
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads very easily from one person to another.
When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, tiny droplets carrying the virus can spread into the air. Other people nearby can breathe them in and get infected.
Children can also catch the virus by touching things like toys, tables, or door handles that have the virus on them and then touching their face.
Because babies often touch many things and put their hands in their mouths, they are at higher risk of infection.
Doctors explain that babies and toddlers have weaker immune systems compared to adults. Their bodies are still learning how to fight infections. This makes them more likely to get sick.
For some children, flu may seem like a normal fever or cold. But in some cases, it can lead to serious health problems.
These include:
Pneumonia
Ear infections
Severe dehydration
Breathing trouble
Hospital admission
In rare cases, flu can become life-threatening if not treated properly.
That is why doctors strongly recommend vaccination.
The flu vaccine helps train the body’s immune system. It teaches the body how to recognise and fight the flu virus.
This means if the child gets exposed to the virus later, the body can fight it better.
The vaccine may not always stop the flu completely, but it can make the illness much milder and reduce serious complications.
ALSO READ: PM Modi and Trump meet at G7 summit after 16 months
Doctors say children aged six months and above are eligible for the flu vaccine.
Babies younger than six months cannot get the vaccine yet, which makes it even more important for family members around them to stay healthy.
For babies who are old enough, vaccination is one of the safest ways to protect them.
Young children often spend time in daycare, schools, parks, and public places where infections spread quickly.
During monsoon, the weather becomes damp and humid. Viruses spread faster, and children are more likely to catch them.
Doctors say this seasonal rise makes flu vaccination very important.
Flu symptoms in children can sometimes look like a common cold, but they are often stronger.
Common symptoms include:
High fever
Cough
Runny or blocked nose
Sore throat
Body pain
Tiredness
Headache
Poor feeding
Crying or irritability in babies
Some children may also have vomiting and diarrhoea.
Parents should watch carefully if these symptoms appear.
If a child has trouble breathing, refuses to eat, looks very weak, or has a high fever for many days, medical help should be taken quickly.
Doctors say many parents wait too long, thinking it is just a normal cold.
Early treatment can help prevent complications.
Vaccination is important, but doctors say it should be combined with other safety steps.
Parents can take simple precautions to keep children healthy during monsoon.
The first step is good hygiene.
Teach children to wash their hands often with soap and water. This is one of the best ways to stop germs.
Parents should also wash their own hands before touching babies.
Children should be kept away from people who are sick.
If someone at home has flu symptoms, they should avoid close contact with the child.
Doctors also stress the importance of good sleep and healthy food.
A strong body fights infection better.
Children should get enough rest and eat nutritious meals like fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked food.
For babies, breastfeeding is very helpful because it gives natural protection against many infections.
Parents should continue breastfeeding whenever possible.
Keeping the home clean and dry during the rainy season is also important.
Wet clothes, damp bedding, and dirty surroundings can increase infections.
Doctors say parents should also follow the full vaccination schedule and not miss any important vaccines.
The flu shot should become part of seasonal care, especially during monsoon.
Many parents worry whether the flu vaccine is safe.
Doctors say it is generally safe for most children and has been used for many years.
Some children may have mild side effects like slight fever or pain at the injection site, but these usually go away quickly.
Experts say prevention is always better than treatment.
Getting the vaccine in June gives enough time for immunity to build before the flu season becomes strong.
This simple step can reduce the chance of severe illness and hospital visits.
Doctors believe that with early vaccination, good hygiene, healthy food, and quick medical care, children can stay safer during the monsoon.
Parents are being encouraged not to wait for flu cases to rise.
A small vaccine today can offer big protection tomorrow.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash