Are they necessary?

Autumn is here and when it descends, thoughts turn to necessary evils, such as winter coats, heating costs and flu shots. The latest word on the playground is that some parents are wondering how necessary flu shots are to their child’s health.

The answer among health experts is VERY. U.S. health officials are strongly encouraging children, especially infants age 6-23 months, to get their flu shots earlier and earlier each season. And this year, for the first time, they are also recommending that children aged 23 months to 5 years get their flu shots as well.

The good news is there are more flu shots to go around then there were last year, when the U.S. lost about half of its flu vaccine supply due to manufacturing problems.

Influenza, or flu, is basically a virus that infects the respiratory system. The flu comes on like a cold, bringing a stuffy nose, chest congestion and a headache, but it comes on stronger and with a fever of 101 degrees F or higher, which can be dangerous for little babies. It’s very contagious and with a one-to-four day incubation period, can be spread quickly before symptoms show.

Regardless of their general health, little babies have the highest risk for complications from the flu, and are more likely to be hospitalized if they get sick with the flu.

Exposure to the flu largely depends on various factors, one being the child’s care situation. If your child is healthy and stays at home, they are less at risk of getting the flu or developing complications from the flu than a child with a medical condition (like asthma), or a child who is exposed to a lot of other children in preschool or daycare.

If your child does stay at home, be sure that your baby and their caregivers get flu shots as well. Peak flu season is December, January and February, so the earlier you get yourselves vaccinated, the better.

Flu shots can bring on a day or two of flu-like symptoms but don’t panic -- they tend to pass quickly. In most cases, babies get a little cranky and could run a low-grade fever for a day or two.  Be sure your baby has a clean bill of health before they get their flu shot.