Flu fighting: take the first shot!

No one likes to bring their child to the clinic for shots, but seeing a child suffer from a preventable illness is something no parent wants to experience, either.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended that children age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as possible.

“Earlier is always better to be safe,” explains pediatrician Dr. Stacene Maroushek. “We never know when we will see our flu season start. Some flu seasons start in November or early December, and others don’t peak until March.”

When outbreaks occur earlier (in November or December) and not as many people have been vaccinated, flu can spread like wildfire. That’s why pediatricians like Dr. Maroushek endorse annual flu immunizations for children — and adults.

“Especially hospital staff, school teachers and daycare providers. They should get vaccinated as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of flu.”

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year for flu-related complications.

To schedule a flu shot for you or your child, please call 612.873.6963.