As probably you’ve noticed, the Flu season is here!

The Flu season is caused by a virus called influenza, which is one of the most aggressive and contagious respiratory viruses.

It is transmitted through respiratory droplets and may cause several symptoms including high fever, body pain, headache, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

These symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after exposure, and some of them may last for about 2 weeks. In some people the virus can cause serious health problems and even they could need to be admitted in the hospital.

The good news is that you count with the flu vaccine which is the single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu. It is easy and safe!

The vaccine can be applied from 6 months of age onwards and is highly recommended because it reduces the severity of symptoms, the chances of complications and death. It also reduces the virus spread, protecting the population that can’t receive the vaccine like the babies younger than 6 months of age.

Influenza virus mutates easily from season to season, so the vaccine is updated every year to keep us protected from the prevalent strains expected to cause the majority of cases during the upcoming flu season, that’s why we recommend getting the flu shot every year.

Even if you’ve already had the disease, getting the flu vaccine can protect you from other circulating strains.

Talk to us if you have any doubts about getting your kids vaccinated. Keep your family and yourself healthy this flu season.

 

Prepared by Dr. Carolina Hernandez.