Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: How to protect your child against flu

CURRENTLY, we’re in the height of the flu season (as part of illness-season in general!), which runs until the end of April.

Who can relate to the bombardment of sickness over the past few weeks, like a marathon that we’re trying valiantly to get through? If influenza hasn’t hit your house yet, you really don’t want it to. It’s not a great addition to the tummy bugs, ear infections and other gorgeous things doing the rounds at the moment!

Influenza is different to a cold – it can be incredibly debilitating, and cause the sufferer to be bed-ridden. While many will just have relatively mild symptoms, there is a significant cohort of people whose immune systems are compromised and who are at greater risk of experiencing complications from the flu. These could include pneumonia, bronchitis, or swelling of the brain in very severe cases. In Ireland, we have had cases of hospitalisations, admission into intensive care, and even death.

It’s now possible to get the flu vaccine for our children aged 2-17 for free, and usually without the need for a needle thanks to the relatively new offering of a nasal spray. It’s available from the GP or pharmacies, which makes it as accessible as possible to families wishing to avail of it.

While it can be overwhelming to consider all the health advice we receive for our children, the flu vaccine is something you could quite quickly and easily arrange for them, to avoid a Christmas of misery! 

In terms of safety for children, there is 20 years of data in the U.S, and ten in Ireland and the UK, to support your potential decision to give the vaccine to your kids, and put your mind at ease.

Vaccinating our children will serve two purposes – firstly protecting them, and secondly protecting those whom they could spread the flu to. And contrary to what some believe, you cannot get the flu from the vaccine, it’s not a live vaccine so that is therefore not possible.

However, because you’re prepping the body’s immune system to fight influenza, it is possible to experience some similar symptoms for a couple of days. Your child may have a slight fever, muscle pain and irritability, but all of these should resolve relatively quickly, and present in much milder forms than if they had indeed got the flu.

The delivery of the nasal vaccine is usually just one trip to the GP or pharmacist, or your child might be one of the groups to be offered the free nasal flu vaccine in primary school, and you will be contacted about this if so.

It involves a spray into each nostril. It isn’t sore, and doesn’t require a certain breathing technique which makes it really easy for younger children. Occasionally, in the case of severe heart or lung conditions, a second dose is needed four weeks later, but this would be flagged with you in advance.

It’s important to note that even if you get your child vaccinated, they could still get the flu – however, you will have reduced the risk by up to 60% which is definitely an improvement in their chances!

The vaccine contains specific flu strains each year, so there will remain the risk of catching another strain. For this reason, it’s important not to get complacent about things like handwashing and cough/sneeze etiquette, Good hygiene is an important preventative measure, along with a flu vaccine for children.

Influenza is not pleasant, and can in some cases be life-threatening. Being proactive by availing of the available vaccinations for your kids will support their health and those of others also.

About the author 

Dr Michelle O’Driscoll is a pharmacist, re searcher and founder of InTuition, a health and wellness education company. Her research lies in the area of mental health education, and through InTuition she delivers health promotion workshops to corporate and academic organi sations nationally. See intuition.ie