School’s out, flu’s not

With exams having wrapped up, most kids are enjoying their summer break. As we watch our children step out into parks, malls and other public spaces, we must also keep in mind that this increases the risk of catching seasonal infections.

Dr Pramod Jog, former president of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, professor of paediatrics at the DY Patil Medical College, Pune, paediatrician at Jog Children’s Clinic, Medipoint Hospital and Jupiter Hospital, says, “Most children are stepping out after a long break of two years. Lack of exposure to the external environment, gaps in vaccination and lower levels of immunity within the population can make kids more vulnerable to seasonal infections like influenza. Hence, flu vaccination should be made an integral part of your child’s health and well-being.”

“Influenza is a disease of the monsoon in most of the states of our country, so the right time to get the annual flu vaccination in India is April onwards. If kids are heading out for family vacations, parents should make sure their vaccination schedules are up-to-date and the entire family is vaccinated against influenza,” he adds.

We’ve compiled a few guidelines on how to prevent and combat the flu:

1. It is important to boost your immune system. A healthy diet and

lifestyle can help, especially if your child is a fussy eater.

2. Practise good hygiene habits such as covering your mouth when coughing and washing hands often.

3. Clean and disinfect frequentlytouched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

4. An efficient way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get the flu vaccine every year children, elderly, and people with certain chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, making summers or pre-monsoons the ideal time for flu vaccination in India.

from April onwards, before the start of the monsoon season.

This article is issued in public interest to create general awareness around immunisation and does not constitute any medical advice, recommendation or promotion of Sanofi products. Please consult your child’s paediatrician for details regarding immunisation. Opinions expressed herein are independent views of doctor(s). MAT-IN-2201296-1.0-5/2022

PHOTO: HTCS/ISTOCK As kids enjoy their summer break, make sure they are protected from flu