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Home › Articles › Toddler Health › The Flu Bug

The Flu Bug

Protecting Your Kids From Influenza

By Dr. Vincent Iannelli

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The one big alternative to a flu shot is FluMist, the flu vaccine nasal spray. Unlike the flu shot, it is a live vaccine and can only be given to healthy persons between the ages of 5 and 49 years. Although it is a little more expensive than a flu shot and there are estimated to be only 1.1 million doses available this year, it may be a good option for your older, healthy child if you can't get them a flu shot, especially if your main concern is having a younger sibling who is younger than 6 months at home.

There are also antiviral medications available to help prevent the flu. These include Amantadine, Rimantadine and Oseltamivir. If your child is exposed to someone with the flu and has not had a flu vaccine, your pediatrician might consider using one of these medicines to prevent your child from getting sick.

Avoiding the Flu
Of course, your children can avoid getting sick with the flu if they avoid other people who may have the flu. This isn't usually possible though, especially if your child is in daycare or already in school, but you should try and avoid large groups of people with your newborn and younger infant when it isn't necessary.

You can also help your child avoid the flu if they:

  • Frequently wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleanser.
  • Cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze and have them use a tissue or their sleeve, instead of their hands.
  • Avoid rubbing their nose or eyes or putting things in their mouths, such as their fingers, hands, pencils, etc.

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