Flu Shot Specialist
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Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC
Holly Hubbard, M.D.
Pediatrician located in Loganville, GA
The yearly flu outbreak is a stressful time for parents, who worry about their children catching the disease and falling ill. At Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC, Dr. Holly Hubbard recommends that all her pediatric patients, ages 0-21, get a yearly vaccination against the flu. If you live in Loganville, Georgia or the surrounding area and want to protect your child, contact Dr. Hubbard: Call the office or book your appointment online today.
Flu Shot Q & A
What is influenza?
Although many people refer to the short 24-48 hour stomach bug as the flu, that’s not what the flu is.
Short for influenza, the flu refers to a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. Influenza impacts the nose, throat, and lungs.
Although most cases are mild, when it impacts the young, old, and those who have compromised immune systems, the flu can become fatal.
What are common flu symptoms?
Flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and all at once. Some of the most common symptoms of influenza include:
- A fever or having the chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Body aches and headaches
- Fatigue and extreme tiredness
- Vomiting and diarrhea, common among young children
How can you prevent the flu?
While nobody is 100% exempt from getting the flu, even with the flu shot, there are things you can do to reduce the risk for you and your child.
Dr. Hubbard recommends avoiding sick people when possible. If you know your child’s best friend had the flu on Wednesday, say no when they ask to spend the night there on Friday.
Avoiding people who are sick isn’t as easy as it sounds. Therefore, Dr. Hubbard recommends improving your hygiene to protect against the flu and other viruses and bacteria.
Doing so includes washing your hands with warm, soapy water when you come in contact with surfaces that could be contaminated. That includes things like door handles and toilet seats, shaking hands, and pushing a shopping cart expose you to just as many germs.
Disinfectant wipes and alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help you stay sanitized when hand washing isn’t available.
Regardless of how often your child washes their hands, encourage them to avoid touching their mouth, eyes, and nose, as the flu virus spreads easily across the face and hands.
Remember, taking care of yourself and your children can reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Eat a balanced diet, exercise, and get about eight hours of sleep a night. If your child does get the flu, keep them home until they’re symptom-free.
To learn more about the flu shot and how it protects your child, call Hubbard Pediatric Group today to schedule your appointment or go online to book.
