As the weather turns from warm to cold, health care officials are reminding us to get our children vaccinated against the flu bug. Even though last year’s vaccine was only 44 percent effective, the health department is assuring us that this year’s vaccine—made from three different strains of the bug—will be a much better match and should be more effective. (It’s not the health officials’ fault; the flu strain mutates each year. Vaccines are developed on a “best educated guess” scenario.) “Influenza spreads very easily, usually through contact with droplets from the nose.
“Influenza spreads very easily, usually through contact with droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person during coughing or sneezing,” said Dr. Craig Smith, MD, director of the Mount Rogers Health District. “It is sometimes difficult for children to remember to follow good health habits that can prevent the flu, such as frequent hand washing, covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth. This is especially true for children who are in school or in daycare and share items and surfaces with other children.”
Health officials recommend the vaccine for children six months to 18 years of age, plus pregnant women and for those with weakened immune systems. And for those who are scared off by the needles, a nasal mist can be inhaled this year, but is effective only for those age two and older.
Will you get shots for your kids?





