Pregnant Women and Infants/Children
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are encouraged to get the seasonalflu vaccine as soon
as possible because they are at higher risk of complications and
the vaccine can potentially provide protection to newborn infants
who cannot be vaccinated. The seasonal flu shot can be given any time
during pregnancy. Pregnant women are not eligible to receive the
nasal spray version of the seasonal vaccine.
Pregnant women with symptoms should consult their
medical provider.
Infants
Household contacts and caregivers for babies younger than 6 months
of age are encouraged to get the seasonal vaccine as soon as possible
because young babies are at higher risk for flu-related complications
and cannot be vaccinated.
Seek medical care for infants with flu symptoms.
Small Children
Children are encouraged to get the seasonal
vaccine as soon as possible because they are in close contact with each
other at school and in daycare settings which increases their likelihood
of being exposed to the virus.
It is always best to call your healthcare provider’s office for help
when treating children who may be sick with a flu virus. Encourage
children and other family members to wash their hands often. Clean
surfaces daily that have been contacted by the sick child such as
doorknobs, faucets, and toilets. Children with the flu need plenty
of fluids and rest.
Emergency warning signs in children that need urgent medical attention include:
- High fever
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
For more information on caring for a sick person,
click here.
Wash hands often | Cover coughs and sneezes | Stay home when sick
|
