Flu vaccine during COVID: Why it’s important for your child and the right time to get it

Over a year has passed since the novel coronavirus disrupted the lives of many. Not only did it impact the adults, but children too were affected by the ills of the virus, especially in the second wave. But amidst all this chaos, other viral infections that have existed long before SARs-COV-2 virus have been sidelined.

Given the seasonal changes and other factors, children are as susceptible to flu infections as they are to COVID-19. Common cold and the flu can lead to several respiratory problems in children, which is why they must be given their dose of flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Similar to COVID-19, seasonal flu is also a respiratory illness. While it is important to prevent the spread of the virus and protect yourself and your child from the disease, it is also important that you get your kids vaccinated for flu on time. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), between 140,000 and 810,000 people are hospitalized annually with flu. Therefore, by getting yourself and your child vaccinated, you're reducing the chances of developing other viral infections and making space for those infected with a more deadly disease like COVID-19.

Flu is an infectious disease that can take a toll on your kid's immunity. By getting them vaccinated for the same, you're not only building their immunity, but also reducing the possibilities of hospital visits. Flu shots help minimize the risk of developing respiratory problems in kids and also prevent the kids from becoming super spreaders.

The first flu shot is given at six months after the birth of the child. Until then, he or she has his/her mother's immunity to shield them from the pathogens. After six months, parents must get their children vaccinated for flu every year until five years of age. Indian Academy of Paediatrics and ACVIP (Advisory Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations Practices) does not advise routine vaccination after five years of age.

As per experts, flu shots can offer a possible advantage of 'viral interference', preventing children from developing severe infections from COVID-19.

According to a study conducted by the University of Missouri-Columbia, a group of 905 COVID-positive children admitted at Arkansas Children's Hospital System were given the seasonal flu vaccination. Following the flu shot, about 29% of the children seemed less prone to developing COVID-19 symptoms. Apart from that, the study added that 32% of the kids were also less likely to develop respiratory illnesses.

According to experts, October is the best month to get your influenza vaccine to get maximum protection against the virus. As per the the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), late October is the ideal month for the flu shots, and the health agency recommends everyone over six months to get inoculated.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the most common and similar symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are as follows.

- Fever

- Runny nose

- Fatigue

- Loss of sense of smell

- Sore throat

- Muscle pain or body aches

- Headache

Given that the virus spares no one, do not send your kids outdoors to play, rather organize fun indoor games that might keep them distracted. Make sure your child wears a mask whenever he or she has company and visits crowded areas.

Frequent washing of hands and sanitizing before touching your eyes, nose and mouth is crucial during such times. If left unattended, children may touch contaminated or infected surfaces and objects, which may lead to an infection. To avoid that make sure your children wash their hands regularly.