According to some people, the flu isn’t a big deal. They view this virus as nothing more than a bad cold that will resolve itself within a week. It’s true that most people recover from the flu, and some people experience very mild symptoms. However, the flu virus is responsible for 3,000 to 36,000 deaths in the United States each year. Thus, it is more than a bad cold.
Flu-related complications are higher in children and the elderly. This is due to weaker immune systems. A young child’s immune system isn’t fully developed. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children over the age of six receive a flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine is readily available during flu season – which is from November to April. However, many doctors begin receiving their supply of flu vaccinations as early as September. If you plan to vaccinate your child, consider obtaining the flu vaccine prior to flu season. An early vaccination can protect your child against the early onset of flu season. Plus, some medical offices run out of the flu vaccine between late-fall and early-winter. You can beat the crowd with an early vaccination and ensure your child’s protection early in the school year.