As of 9/1/2011: Flu vaccine (both injectable and nasal) are in stock at Parkview. Please call for an appointment for your child's yearly flu vaccine.
Questions Answered About Flu Vaccine Please call us between 9:30 and 11:30 AM with vaccine questions
Health Department Flu Clinic Hot Line: 753-5600
Should I give my child injections or mist forms of the flu vaccine? Either one will provide protection against influenza. The mist cannot be given to those under 2 years of age or anyone with a recent history of wheezing or asthma or to those with immune deficiencies. (or if there will be contact with someone with an immune deficiency).
Does one dose of vaccine provide protection? Anyone under the age of 9 should receive 2 doses of seasonal vaccine, if it is their first year receiving seasonal vaccine.
Are the staff at Parkview (nurses, doctors, NP, etc) going to be immunized against flu? Yes- we are all immunized against influenza every year- to protect ourselves, and also to help protect our patients and families from contracting influenza from anyone working at Parkview.
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) FAQs
What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu? The symptoms of the H1N1 flu are similar to those of the seasonal flu. Children with influenza have a sudden onset of fever, chills, sore throat, cough, and runny nose. Fever must be present to make this diagnosis. It may also cause headache, muscle aches, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache. What is the cause of the Swine Flu? It is caused by the H1N1 virus. After exposure (close contact), 20% of people come down with respiratory symptoms in 4 to 6 days. It is not caused by eating pork. How is the virus transmitted? The H1N1 is spread via airborne droplets, from sneezing, and coughing, just like other influenza viruses. It also can be transmitted by hands contaminated with secretions. How do you know if your child has the H1N1 flu? If the H1N1 Flu is widespread in your community and your child has flu symptoms with FEVER, then he or she probably has H1N1 Flu. You don’t need to get any special flu tests. How should you treat the H1N1 Flu? The treatment of this flu is no different from treating the symptoms of the common cold. Treat the cough, sore throat, and fever in the usual way. Encourage adequate fluids to prevent dehydration, encourage rest, and increase humidity with use of cool mist humidifier and/or nasal saline spray. Antibiotics are not helpful. Your child should stay home when sick. Are antiviral medicines (such as Tamiflu) helpful? The CDC recommends antiviral medicines be considered for children at high-risk for complications from the flu. This group includes children with lung disease (such as asthma), heart disease, a weak immune system (such as cancer), diabetes, pregnant teens, or young children less than 2 years old. Tamiflu must be started within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms to have an optimal impact. The benefit is limited: it can reduce the duration of symptoms by 1 to 1.5 days; it may also reduce the severity of symptoms. What is the expected course of the virus? The fever lasts at least 2 to 3 days, the runny or stuffy nose 1 to 2 weeks, and the cough 2 to 3 weeks. What is the best way to prevent the flu?
The H1N1 vaccines are the best way to prevent the H1N1 flu. The vaccine is available in 2 forms, the flu shot, and nasal spray. The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are: soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, low grade fever, aches, and/or nausea for 1 to 2 days following the immunization. The viruses in the nasal spray are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with flu illness. Some minor side effects that could occur are runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and/or fever for 1 to 2 days.
Are there some children who should not receive this vaccine? People who have a severe (life threatening) allergy to chicken eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine should not be vaccinated. The CDC recommends that all children between the ages of 6 months and 24 years be vaccinated. Children under the age of 10 should receive 2 vaccines, 4 weeks apart. Is the H1N1 vaccine safe? The H1N1 vaccine is being manufactured in the same way as seasonal influenza vaccine, which has a 60 year safety record. Many careful, repeated studies have shown that vaccines, including influenza vaccines, are safe and effective. The H1N1 vaccine has been tested in adults, children, and pregnant women to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. These studies found the vaccine is safe and is similar to seasonal flu vaccine. No serious harmful side effects were reported. How can I prevent the spread of this flu? Stay home when sick. Your child may return to school or daycare after the fever is gone for at least 24 hours, without acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand cleaners (rub in until dry). Cough or sneeze into your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth (the germs are spread that way). When should I call my doctor?
Call if your child looks or acts very sick
Breathing becomes difficult or fast or causes retractions (sucking in between the ribs)
Dehydration occurs (no urine in 12 hours, dry mouth, no tears)
Your child is in the HIGH RISK group and has flu symptoms
Earache or sinus pain occur
Fever lasts more than 3 days or returns after going away