Flu season is up and ready. Are your children protected?
It never hurts to be careful. With the flu sending more people to the hospital than ever, particularly vulnerable aspects of the population, it’s your responsibility to keep your children one step ahead. It’s not just the flu that’s seeing a resurgence, either, and today’s scientists are ever at work providing updated vaccines to keep severe illness and disability at bay. Your local pediatric clinic can provide you with physicals and consultations to ensure you’re never worried about what’s around the corner.
Learn more about same day pediatric services and the benefits of vaccines by reading below.
Common Cold
While there’s no cure for the common cold, that’s not to say you can’t prepare in advance. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will come down with seven to eight colds a year due to their still-developing immune systems. Compare this to teenagers, who are similar to adults in receiving four colds a year or so. Colds are most commonly spread by touch and coughing, so make sure to wash your hands frequently and disinfect frequently touched items in the house (such as doorknobs, keyboards, and countertops). The flu is spread similarly.
The Flu
Flu vaccines need to be received on a yearly basis to keep up with the mutating flu virus. Even if you and your children lead healthy and active lives it’s essential to stay vaccinated, as you’re not just protecting yourself, but others in your community. The flu is characterized by high fevers, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and severe fatigue. Vulnerable parts of the population include children, those with compromised immune systems, and the elderly. Your same day pediatric office will make sure your family is ready to go well before flu season hits.
Wellness Checks
It never hurts to get a general wellness check to make sure your child is fully protected. It’s recommended by most pediatricians your children receive wellness checks at the ages of two weeks, four months, six months, nine months, and onward. Once they start getting older this can be kept to once or twice a year, depending, and will encompass everything from vaccines to mental wellness. Back in 2016 over 90% of American children were vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (or known collectively as MMR). Mental health should be taken seriously at the first warning signs.
Mental Health
Does your child seem uninterested in their favorite hobbies or constantly stressed? Are they struggling through constant mood swings or a persistent lack of energy? It’s possible they’re displaying signs of mental illness, that of which can be assessed when you make an appointment with a pediatric doctor. In 2016 it was determined at least 12% of children between the ages of 12 and 17 has ADHD. Depression and anxiety are among the most common forms of mental illness and can manifest at a young age, exacerbated by life stress and social isolation.
The Benefits Of Pediatric Care
Pediatric care is designed to assess your child’s unique growth cycle and provide them the all-around healthcare they need to thrive. The rate of colds triple in the winter, with the flu following close behind, and now is a great time to look up a pediatric clinic in your area for support. Vaccines are designed to both protect your family and the rest of the population. Additional issues such as depression, food allergies, and the onset of obesity can all be addressed with a feasible life plan suited to your child. Taking the time to be prepared now will pay off immensely later.
Protect your children. Make sure they receive their yearly vaccines.
