I have seen many cases of students who have contracted Influenza, “the flu,” in my 21 years of school nursing. This year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that all children, 6 months through 18 years of age, receive a flu shot. The flu is much more serious than the common cold and steps such as the flu vaccination can be taken to help prevent it.
A cold is relatively harmless and usually clears up by itself after a period of time, however the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia and even death. Approximately 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized each year due to complications from the flu.
Parents can also teach children to follow these simple steps to help prevent spreading the flu to others: Wash your hands. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Cover your cough with a tissue or your shirt sleeve, not your hands. If you are sick, stay home.
The American Lung Association hosts a website link to find out where and when flu shots will be given: www.flucliniclocator.org. Vaccination is the best method for preventing the flu.
Beth Mattey, school nurse
