Build Your Child’s Immunity With The Influenza Vaccine

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Build Your Childs Immunity With
The Influenza Vaccine

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In Indias second wave of the COVID-19-19
pandemic, many children were affected by the
virus. It has been a major cause for concern, and
we are sure that, like most parents, you too may
be wondering whether its a good idea to give
your child a flu shot. The answer is a
resounding yes. As the third wave of COVID-19
threatens to hit India in the coming months,
doctors highly recommend it. More so if your
child is prone to colds and seasonal flu.
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Do You Need to Worry About Your Child Getting the
Flu? While the flu does not severely affect
adults, it can be fatal for infants and children
with medical conditions like heart, kidney, or
lung disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer, sickle
cell anaemia, HIV, etc. Flu or common cold can
also weaken a childs immune system and cause
respiratory problems. Flu symptoms include
congestion, sore throat, cough, chills, high
fever, nausea, and vomiting. Thats right these
symptoms are very similar to that of COVID-19.
Parents are bound to get them tested for COVID-19
at hospitals, and if the symptoms are severe,
even admit their child to the hospital. However,
if the third wave hits India as predicted,
hospitals will be filled with COVID-19 patients,
making it difficult to get your child admitted.
So, it is advisable to vaccinate your child
against the flu and prevent such a situation from
arising.
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Does a Flu Shot Also Protect Your Child Against
COVID-19 Infection? As per studies conducted
on children whove tested positive for COVID-19,
it was observed that the flu shot reduced the
risk of infection and respiratory illnesses
significantly. In fact, it built their immunity
against the coronavirus through viral
interferencea phenomenon where a cell that is
infected by the flu virus becomes more resistant
to the coronavirus.
When should Your Child Get the Flu Shot? Flu
season usually begins in November and goes on
till May. Children who are 6 months or older
should get the flu shot before October, every
year.
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Is It Necessary to Give Your Child a Flu Shot
Every Year? Absolutely! You see, the strains of
viruses keep mutating from time to time, and the
vaccine formulations are upgraded to include the
new strains. If your child is younger than 9
years, they may need to get 2 shots every year,
usually a month apart. Where Can You Get Your
Child Vaccinated? The influenza shot is readily
available in the market. Your child can get the
flu shot at your trusted doctors dispensary, the
nearest hospital, or even at home if administered
by a healthcare professional. Does the Flu Shot
Have Any Side Effects? Your child may experience
slight fever, aches, and swelling or soreness
where the shot was given. In rare instances, some
children have experienced weakness, hives,
dizziness, vomiting, faster heartbeat, and
breathing difficulty. So, observe your child
after the shot and get medical help if you notice
any of these side effects. These side effects are
nothing compared to the effects of the actual
flu. So, dont worry about it and give your child
the flu shot every year. After all, prevention is
better than cure.
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Source https//www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/build-y
our-childs-immunity-with-the-influenza-vaccine/