Every year flu season affects thousands of children and their families. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a virus that could take your child away from school, and you away from work.
If your child develops flu like symptoms please call our office 941-266-5629. We do have rapid flu tests available in the office.
According to the CDC, "in the United States, flu season occurs in the fall and winter. While influenza viruses spread year-round, most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, but activity can last as late as May." CDC collects, compiles, and analyzes information on influenza activity year-round in the United States and produces FluView, a weekly surveillance report, and FluView Interactive, which allows for more in-depth exploration of influenza surveillance data. The Weekly U.S. Influenza Summary Update is updated weekly year-round.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, states that:
"Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which can cause mild to severe symptoms, leading to hospitalization or death. There are two types of influenza viruses (A and B) that cause seasonal outbreaks each year, otherwise known as the influenza season. Children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2, and children and adolescents with certain underlying medical conditions are at a high risk of developing serious influenza-related complications. Influenza vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious symptoms, hospitalization and death due to influenza related illnesses. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual influenza immunization of all children without medical contraindications, starting at 6 months of age. Any licensed influenza vaccine (injection and intranasal) appropriate by age and health status can be used for vaccination."
What can you do to protect your family?
We encourage everyone to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.
Teaching your child to wash their hands properly and after bathroom, before and after meals, and often during the day can help.
Covering your mouth while coughing, covering your nose while sneezing, and staying home if sick is also important.
Please call us if your child develops symptoms of the flu. We can do a flu rapid test in the office.
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