Kids and Health Care: Influenza

Flu, or influenza, is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The flu is not the same condition as the "common cold," which is caused by other types of viruses (typically rhinoviruses). Unlike the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and can be life threatening. Each year, more than 100,000 Americans are hospitalized because of the flu, and more than 36,000 die from complications from it.

The flu usually spreads through the air from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Influenza and its complications are the sixth-leading cause of death among children ages 4 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, it is a serious matter for young kids.

Some children -- particularly those who already have a weakened auto-immune systems -- are at high risk of having complications from the flu. Flu could make them very sick or even kill them.

Anti-viral "flu shots" can greatly reduce the chances that your young children will contract influenza. These shots are widely available -- often for no charge at schools, public daycare centers and free clinics. If you hear that cases of influenza have been diagnosed in your area, contact your pediatrician about getting the anti-viral shots for your children; if you don't have a pediatrician, contact your county health department or a local free clinic for information.

Flu shots are available in the fall, anywhere between September and December. During some years when the flu is predicted to be bad, it's smart to call your doctor in advance and reserve a shot for you and/or your children. Only so many flu shots get made every year, and they often run out. Your local pharmacy or even supermarket might have special "get your flu shot" day, too.

Babies younger than six months are usually not allowed to receive the anti-viral shots. But all young children from six months to three years should have the shots. And children over three should have the shots if they have any of the following conditions:

• asthma or other problems of the lungs;
• immune suppression;
• chronic kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• HIV/AIDS;
• diabetes; or
• sickle cell anemia.

Also any child who's receiving long-term aspirin therapy should get a flu shot.

The best way to protect babies under six months old from influenza is to make sure that you, their family members and their caregivers are vaccinated.