Chennai : Transmission of the influenza (flu) virus happens through nose and respiratory tract particularly when kids share close quarters like they do in school classrooms. Children younger than 5 years are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications, hence flu vaccination should be made an integral part of the child’s back to school plan. This coupled with covid appropriate behaviors of masking and sanitizing should protect the child from seasonal infections. Experts predict we may be in for a difficult year when it comes to the flu.
Highlighting the need of the influenza vaccine for children Dr Priya Biswakumar, said, Children are prone to falling ill, especially with the upcoming Flu season, which starts with the onset of monsoon in most parts of the country. With the reopening of schools, children are exposed to the outside world, and the risk of contracting infections has also increased. After spending more than two years indoors during pandemic, health issues such as obesity and vitamin D deficiency have resulted in decreased immunity, making them susceptible to infections.’
‘When compared to last year, the number of children reporting flu has increased by 70%. Hygiene mandates such as masking, hand washing, nasal hygiene should be followed by children at school with strict surveillance by school administration, but routine vaccination is critical to keeping them protected.’
‘Vaccines such as MMR, meningococcal vaccine, Tdap, IPV, Pentaxim, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Flu should be administered as directed. Flu can be a recurring problem if left untreated. It has been discovered that getting a flu shot can help reduce morbidity and mortality from Covid. Parents need to be educated about its importance and get the yearly shot. Yearly Flu shots should be taken just before onset of monsoon/winter/school term according to the region you live in and in consultation with your Paediatrician.’
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends co-administration of covid-19 vaccine along with other scheduled childhood vaccines (e.g. flu vaccine).This coupled with covid appropriate behaviours of masking and sanitizing should protect the child from seasonal infections, she said.
‘To protect kids against infection is essential in the developing years as it may impact on their growth’.