Monsoon Health Alert: Why You Must Get the Influenza Vaccine For Children Before Rain Sets In

Children love monsoons! Getting wet in the rain, jumping in the puddles, and playing with mud are their fun activities this season. However, as we know, rainy days bring a host of respiratory and other infections, which don’t exclude children either. The consistent humidity in the air, increased dampness, and waterlogging form an ideal cocktail for viruses and bacteria to breed and thrive, and thus are the causative factors behind the spike in illnesses during monsoons. So, how can you protect your children from respiratory infections like influenza/flu? By giving them the flu or influenza vaccination, suggests Dr Sanjay Wazir, Medical Director (NCR)- Neonatology and Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon. Here’s more.

3 Reasons Why Influenza Vaccinations Are Crucial for Children

During the rainy season, influenza is among the most prevalent viral infections, which spreads quickly among kids. Its symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Fatigue

It starts in a mild way and remains like that till it gets treated. However, in children with existing health issues, it can at times “lead to serious complications like pneumonia, especially in young children….requiring hospital admissions,” says Dr Sanjay Wazir.

That’s when and where the influenza vaccine becomes necessary to administer, especially before the monsoon begins. 

“The influenza vaccine is a safe injection that helps the body build protection against the flu virus. It reduces the risk of getting infected and lowers the severity of illness if children do catch the flu. Parents mustn’t skip vaccination in children even if they have side effects such as mild fever, pain at the injection site, or body aches. These side effects subside in a day or two,” mentions the doctor, noting that if the shot is not given, the children are at a much higher risk of contracting infections.

Don't Miss: 5 Natural Remedies To Ease Seasonal Flu Symptoms At Home

“The vaccine is recommended for all children aged 6 months and above. It is especially important for kids with asthma, heart disease, or weakened immunity,” adds Dr Sanjay Wazir.

3 Benefits of the Influenza Vaccine

• Protects children from getting the flu virus, which can impact their quality of life.
• Reduces hospital visits and admissions, and even serious complications such as pneumonia.
• Helps in preventing the spread of flu in schools and communities, and safeguards the health of others around them.

Is Influenza/Flu Different From Common Cold?

Flu and common cold are used interchangeably by those who aren’t associated with the medical field. Dr Sanjay Wazir attests to that and says, “while both flu and the common cold are viral infections that affect the respiratory system, they differ in several key ways.”

Flu Pointers

• Sudden onset with high fever
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Dy cough
• Can result in grave complications like pneumonia (especially in young children or those with existing health issues)

In contrast, the common cold:

• Develops gradually 
• Milder symptoms 
• Runny noses
• Sore throat
• Light cough
• Rarely causes severe problems

7 Vital Tips to Protect Children During Monsoon

1. Ensure children get the flu vaccine every year before the rainy season and schedule the appointment accordingly.
2. Encourage regular handwashing with soap and clean water.
3. Dress children in dry, clean clothes and avoid wet clothing.
4. Children should avoid crowded, damp places where infections can spread easily.
5. Provide nutritious food and keep children hydrated with safe drinking water.
6. While coughing or sneezing, ensure they to cover their noses and mouths.
7. Children should refrain from touching surfaces such as furniture or faucets. 

While you may let your children enjoy themselves during monsoon season, get the influenza vaccination before the season begins. Prioritise the vaccination to ensure a healthy, safe rainy season for their little ones. Better to be safe than sorry, isn’t it?

Don't Miss: Monsoon Health Risks: 5 Hidden Illnesses and Tests You Need to Know

If you liked the story, please share it. For more such articles, stay tuned to HerZindagi.