For flu shot status, call our Flu shot update line
at 770-277-6725.

Influenza (flu) is an acute infection of the respiratory tract.  Many people confuse the symptoms with a common cold because of the similarities.  Symptoms begins 2-3 days after exposure and include: high fever (up to 104°F), chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, dry cough, and ill feeling.  Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are also frequent symptoms in children.  These symptoms, including fever, can last up to one week or longer.  General tiredness can persist for up to two weeks after fever has subsided.

When is flu season?
Flu season begins in the late Fall and early Winter, and peaks between November and March.

What can you do?
Here are some tips to prevent spreading of the flu:

    •  Good hand washing!!!
    •  Children with fever should stay at home until fever free for 24 hours.
    •  Have your child vaccinated with the Flu vaccine or Flu Mist.

	Flu Shot	Flu Mist
Recommended age	6 months and up	5-17 years
Healthy vs. chronic	Healthy and chronically ill children (especially with asthma and RAD)	Healthy children only
Contraindications	Anyone with sensitivity to egg products, on aspirin therapy, history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, known or suspected immune deficiency, or any acute febrile illness
Efficacy	The body begins making antibodies ~2 weeks after vaccination
Double Dosing for first-timers?	Yes, 1 month apart	Yes, 2 months apart
Side effects	Soreness, redness, swelling, low-grade fever, achiness	Runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, sore throat, cough, & fever

What do you do if your child gets the Flu?
    •  Plenty of rest
    •  Encourage fluids
    •  Tylenol and/or Motrin for fever
    •  Humidifier in child’s room.
    •  Saline drops and suction for nasal congestion.