Flu makes an early arrival this season
The first flu report of the season indicates influenza activity in the southeast corner of Alberta, and if your child is afraid of needles there are suggestions for immunizations.
Influenza A is the most common virus circulating in Canada, according to FluWatch data from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8, 2018, published by Public Health Agency of Canada.
It’s early in the season but of the 25 laboratory tests reported all were influenza A, the majority being the H1N1 strain, said FluWatch.
We are about a month away from the launch of flu vaccination clinics.
“Alberta’s influenza immunization program begins Oct. 15,” said a spokesperson for Alberta Health Services.
Schedules for immunization clinics will not be released until the beginning of October.
Many pharmacies and family doctors will also offer flu shots.
Alberta Health is not in a position yet to reveal what the makeup of the influenza vaccine will be this season, said a spokesperson for the minister of health.
If you have a child who is terrified of needles some advance planning may help to reduce the discomfort.
Research published in 2014 by Dr. Samina Ali, a pediatric emergency physician and associate professor in pediatrics and emergency medicine at the University of Alberta, said children treated for a fractured thighbone only received painkilling drugs intravenously 65 per cent of the time.
Ali noted studies are proving beyond a doubt that even the youngest of children experience pain. It was not the extra time to apply a topical anesthetic cream that was the reason for not bothering, but a belief that it is not needed.
Dr. Gaylord Wardell, anesthesiologist and pain specialist in Medicine Hat, reacted to the research at the time and said subjecting adults to pain needlessly was bad medicine but to do so to children was inexcusable.
Techniques used to help children receiving a needle
There is a topical anesthetic — lidocaine — which is available from pharmacists. Certain brands provide a patch or you can apply a cream and put plastic wrap over it for 30 minutes, said Greg Bueckert pharmacist, Greg’s Remedy’s Rx, which does flu shots.
There is also a creative new tool called a Buzzy Bee, Bueckert demonstrated. Turn it on and there is a buzzing noise and a vibration. It is held where the needle will go in. Kids like the tool and the vibration reduces the reaction from nerves at the site. The white “wings” of the bee is actually a gel ice pack to numb the area.
Distraction also plays a part, said Bueckert. Bubbles are a great distraction for children. Blow some bubbles and as your child reaches out to touch them the needle is inserted.
A sucker on a stick to suck on can sweeten the experience, too, he said.
Consider a dose of children’s Tylenol a half hour before the immunization to calm them and reduce any pain.
If they have a well loved stuffed animal, take it along.
You could also offer a reward such as doing an activity afterward that you know the child loves. Preparing your child
You should tell them what will take place but never tell them that it will not hurt, said Bueckert.
Suggest the child watch/help while you have your shot. Bueckert says having the child put the cotton or plaster on the parent’s arm can help. If your child is nervous it may be a good idea to call ahead and find out if there is a time of day that will work best at the location you have chosen for the immunization.