Expert tips for parents to prepare as flu season begins

Key Points:

• Health experts, including Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, recommend flu vaccination for everyone over 6 months old, emphasizing that most severe flu outcomes in children occur in those unvaccinated.
• Children aged 6 months to 23 months should receive the inactivated flu vaccine injection, while those aged 2 to 8 years can choose between the injection or a nasal spray vaccine, except for children with compromised immune systems or asthma.
• Parents are advised to stock common medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen at home to manage flu symptoms such as fever and aches, and to encourage good hygiene practices to reduce the spread of illness.
• Flu symptoms can mimic other respiratory viruses, so supportive care including hydration and isolation from others is important, and parents should consult a pediatrician especially for very young children or those with serious medical conditions.
• Immediate medical consultation is recommended for children under one year old or those with chronic illnesses such as asthma, cancer, or lung disease if flu symptoms arise or worsen.