Published: November 7, 2022
Schedule your child’s flu vaccine at the location nearest you. Our pediatrician offices are located throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Flu season is underway, and there are several things you can do to help protect your child from the flu and other respiratory viruses this year.
“Hand-washing is key to protecting ourselves from illnesses such as flu and other viruses, including COVID-19,” said Maria T. Bowling, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine.
Teach your child to wash their hands at any point when they may have come in contact with germs: upon entering your home after being in a public place, after using the restroom and before preparing or eating food.
If your child is sick, do your part to keep others from getting ill, too. Stay home from school and work to prevent spreading the illness to others. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces at home or in the workplace to help protect your child from the flu.
Viruses spread by droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking. Teach your child to cover their cough or a sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away. Don’t cough into a hand; if they don’t have a tissue handy, teach your child to cough or sneeze into their elbow to avoid spreading germs onto surfaces with their hands.
Germs can be spread from someone’s hand and get into their body by touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Teach your child to avoid touching their face to curb the spread of germs or viruses.
This year’s flu vaccine can protect your child against the four flu viruses that are expected to circulate during this flu season. A child may get a flu shot in their arm or via nasal spray. Check with your pediatrician for the best option for your family.