“The best time to get the influenza vaccine is between March and April of each year, as soon as it arrives in our country and before winter begins. Remember that the flu virus is constantly changing, so new vaccines are made every year to protect against the flu viruses that are likely to cause the most illness. In addition, the protection provided by the influenza vaccine disappears over time,” says Dr. Carlos Eyzaguirre, a pediatrician at the Plaza Lima Sur Medical Center of Clinica Ricardo Palma, who will give us with more information on the subject.

What is Influenza?

Influenza is also known as the flu. It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is different from a cold and usually comes on suddenly.

What are its symptoms?

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache, chills, tiredness, and in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

How can we prevent it?

• The first and best way to protect children and adults against influenza is annual vaccination. This vaccine contains attenuated influenza viruses, which allow our bodies to recognize the surface protein of the virus. In this way our immune system creates antibodies that will fight it and protect us.
• In addition, it is recommended to stay away from people who are sick, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, keep surfaces that may be contaminated with the influenza virus clean and disinfected, and avoid touching your eyes.

Recommendations from our specialist:

• Take the child to a pediatric consultation in case he/she presents symptoms of influenza.
• The child who contracts influenza should rest at home, unless they have to go to the pediatrician. He/she will not attend school to avoid contagion.
• Make sure you drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Talk to the pediatrician about the treatment your little one should follow, avoiding self-medication.

Dr. Carlos Eyzaguirre
Pediatrician at the Plaza Lima Sur Medical Center of Clinica Ricardo Palma