Health officials urge flu vaccination for children as season starts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that influenza can be more severe than a cold, particularly for children under five and those with chronic conditions. The Infectious Diseases Society of America, represented by its chief executive officer Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, said the society and groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend flu vaccination for all individuals six months of age and older.

"The vast majority of really bad outcomes, the worst being death, but also including hospitalization for flu-related illness, occur in kids who are unvaccinated," Marrazzo said.

Children six months to 23 months can receive an inactivated flu shot, while those aged two to eight may choose between the injection and a nasal spray live-attenuated vaccine, except for children with compromised immune systems or asthma. Those nine years and older have the option of an inactivated shot, nasal spray, or recombinant vaccine.

Parents are advised to reinforce hand-washing and cough etiquette, and to keep common fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen on hand. Hydration and isolation of sick children are also recommended.

"It's good to have on hand things like child acetaminophen or Tylenol, or even ibuprofen like Advil or Motrin, because you can treat those fevers directly," Marrazzo said.

Medical consultation should be sought promptly for infants under one year, children with serious medical conditions, or if symptoms worsen.

"If you have a very young child, certainly less than a year old, you don't want to mess around because you want to make sure they're OK," Marrazzo said.