The 2011-2012 Flu Season:Protecting our Children

from Influenza

School Name Name of PresenterPresentation Date

What is the flu?• Influenza, also called the flu, is

caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract.– The flu virus changes every

year.– The flu affects as many as 1 in 5

people in the United States every year.

– The good news is that a safe, effective vaccine can prevent the flu.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of the flu include:Fever

Headache Tiredness

CoughSore throat

Runny/stuffy noseMuscle aches

Some children can have serious health problems from the flu.

How is the flu spread?• The flu is usually spread through the air, in droplets

from coughs or sneezes. • The flu can be easily spread in schools.

– School-aged children are up to four times as likely as adults to get the flu.

• People can become infected if they touch something with the flu virus living on it and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands.– Flu viruses can live on surfaces such as desks, cafeteria

tables, or doorknobs for up to 2 hours.

How can I protect my child from the flu?

• Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from the flu.

• Don’t spread the flu. Get vaccinated and make sure family members are

vaccinated too. It’s especially important to get vaccinated if you care for an infant in

your home.

• Take everyday steps to prevent the spread of germs.

Who should get vaccinated?

EVERYONE 6 months of age and older, even healthy kids and adults.

• Pregnant women and people with chronic conditions can and should get vaccinated

• If you have an egg allergy, you may be eligible for vaccination. Talk to your doctor.

• Some children need 2 doses of flu vaccine. Talk to your child’s doctor to learn if he/she needs 2 doses.

Why get vaccinated every flu season?

• It is important to get vaccinated every flu season because each season the vaccine is specially designed to fight the types of flu that are most common that season.

• Even though this season’s vaccine types are the same as last season’s, you still need a flu vaccine now. Protection from last season’s vaccine may have worn off.

What are the types of flu vaccine?

• The vaccine can be delivered through a shot or a nasal spray.– The “flu shot” can be given to people ages 6 months and

older.– The nasal spray can only be given to healthy people 2

through 49 years of age.

The body makes antibodies to fight these germs.

You receive a weakened or dead form of the disease germ through the vaccine. This does NOT make you sick.

If the actual disease germs ever attack, the antibodies are still there to destroy them!

OH NO!

How do flu vaccines work?

How safe are flu vaccines?• Very safe. All vaccines are

tested to be certain that they are safe.

• Most people have only mild side effects such as a low fever or soreness in the arm. – This means that the body is

responding to the vaccine.– Serious side effects are very

rare.

How safe are flu vaccines?

• There is no evidence that vaccines are linked to autism.

• It is safe to get a flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.

• You cannot get the flu from a flu vaccine!

Where can you get vaccinated?• Doctor’s offices, community health

centers, public health clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and schools

• Many insurance plans cover flu vaccinations for children and adults

• If your child does not have insurance, you can find no-cost or low-cost vaccines in your area: – Visit the Los Angeles County

Immunization Program at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip

– Dial the Los Angeles County Information at 2-1-1

What is the role of schools?• Schools keep communities

healthy by:– Providing flu prevention

messages and encouraging flu vaccination.

– Posting notices about hand washing in restrooms.

– Being vigilant about cleaning classrooms.

What is the role of parents?• Parents keep communities

healthy by:– Vaccinating their children

and themselves against vaccine-preventable diseases, including the flu.

– Keeping sick children home from school for at least

24 hours after their fever passes.

– Teaching and practicing healthy hygiene practices.

What should we teach children?• Cover coughs and sneezes

with a tissue or their sleeve.• Wash their hands often

with soap and warm water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.– Especially after coughing or

sneezing. • Avoid touching their eyes,

nose, and mouth.

Where can I get more information?

• Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwww.cdc.gov/flu

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Immunization Programwww.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip

Questions?

Acknowledgement

This presentation was adapted from a template

for schools developed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Immunization Program.