Preparing kids for the flu shot: Tips for parents

With cold and flu season here, I have some helpful updates and reminders for parents to be aware of, especially with the holidays approaching.

The flu mist is in short supply, so parents will want to talk to their kids about getting protected against the flu by getting the actual flu shot.

Honesty is best when explaining to your kids they will likely be receiving a shot. The flu vaccine is intended to prevent you, your kids, their friends, their grandparents and others from getting influenza. It can also reduce the severity of symptoms or how long you or your kids are sick.

In addition to being honest with kids about needing a shot, bringing something to distract your child may be helpful, like a favorite video that can be pulled up on your phone.

While I don’t always recommend a treat after the flu shot appointment, depending on the age of the child, an incentive — like ice cream after the appointment — can work.

Our nursing staff is skilled at making kids feel secure and having parents part of the process. Within a couple of hours of this little poke, they have forgotten all about it.

When does the flu hit?

Traditionally, flu season peaks in February, with December being the second most common peak month, followed by March. This is why it often feels like flu season drags on, and many people continue to catch and spread the influenza virus.

Healthy kids can bounce back faster than adults, but because kids are in day care or school, they often get sick back to back. While this may build their immune system, it can be really hard on families.

To stay as healthy as possible, I recommend families maintain healthy habits, including hand washing, getting plenty of sleep and eating well — in addition to the flu shot — to help prevent getting sick.

This especially is important for certain populations, including infants and young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, such as individuals being treated with chemotherapy or an organ transplant. These groups are at higher risk for flu-related complications.

There is no reason not to get the flu vaccine unless your provider recommends against it. Otherwise, the benefits of the flu vaccine far outweigh the risk of serious illness.

Tips for avoiding the flu

• The simplest thing you can do is wash your hands and teach your kids to do the same. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with warm water and soap. Do this before leaving the bathroom, eating or touching your face. A good rule of thumb is to wash hands for 20 seconds; about as long as it takes to sing “the ABCs.”
• Cover your cough with the crook of your elbow, and teach your kids to do the same.
• Stay home from work or school if you’re ill.
• Keep vaccines current for you and your family.

Jennifer Marr, D.N.P., is a pediatric and adolescent nurse practitioner in Mankato, Minnesota.