WASHINGTON — A number of parents are concerned about the serious respiratory illnesses, including the enterovirus D68 found in the Midwest. But doctors are saying parents should be just as nervous about the flu.
“The flu is a much more common threat this time of year,” says pediatrician Dr. Joe Hsu of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.
It’s not too early for a flu shot, Hsu said. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a nasal spray vaccine for children ages 2 through 8. The vaccine is designed to protect against the top three or four flu viruses that research shows will be active this year.
The flu season can begin as early as October.
The CDC recommends a flu vaccine annually for all persons ages 6 months and older.
Parents should be on the lookout for coughing, wheezing, fever, body aches and other symptoms. Parents and children should both be washing their hands routinely and staying home when sick so other people are not infected.
Many doctor’s offices, clinics and health departments, pharmacies and some employers are already offering free or inexpensive flu vaccines.
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