MANILA, Philippines – Dr. Sally Gatchalian, a pediatrician and specialist in infectious diseases, warns that seasonal flu infection can lead to more serious complications in children, placing a large burden on the health and well-being of children and their families.
Gatchalian reminded parents and guardians not to disregard seasonal flu. While symptoms may be like those of a common cold — headaches, cough, runny or stuffy nose — the seasonal flu could give one high fever, muscle or body aches, fatigue, and sometimes a child may experience vomiting and diarrhea.
As a result, a child may end up with severe complications that need long hospitalization.
Gatchalian said complications may include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or other pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, hepatic, hematological, renal or metabolic diseases (including diabetes).
The flu vaccine protects against types A and B of the flu virus. There are currently two available vaccines: The trivalent flu vaccine protects against the two most common strains of type A and one strain of type B.
A recent addition is the quadrivalent vaccine that offers the same benefits as the trivalent vaccine, with the added bonus of covering the two strains of the type B flu virus.
Overall, both vaccines protect against the flu infections, and the CDC does not recommend one over the other, stressing that no matter which flu vaccine is selected, simply getting vaccinated is the best way one and their family members can be protected from the infection.
But aside from getting vaccinated, there are also other equally important practices that could lessen the chances of getting infected like reminding children to wash their hands often with soap and water. If these are not available, let them use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Also, remind children to try to avoid contact with sick people as they can easily transmit the flu virus.
But if a child is already sick or has symptoms, limit the child’s contact with others as much as possible. Remind them to always cover their noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing.