Flu Season Is Here: 4 Reasons to Stop by Our Flu Shot Clinic Today

Autumn in Connecticut means a crisp change in the air, and green leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange. It also means that kids go back to school and face an increased risk of seasonal illnesses. 

Between the colder air and increasing allergens, many children are bound to deal with the common cold, allergic rhinitis, asthma, COVID-19, and, of course, the flu. 

The flu alone affects almost 8% of the American population annually, with as many as 9 million in 2021-2022, making annual flu shots for your child a must. 

If you live in Norwalk or Darien, Connecticut, and want to prevent your child from getting sick this fall and winter, the medical team at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics is here to help. 

Here are some basic flu facts, vaccination information, and reasons to visit our clinic for your flu shots.

Understanding flu season

The flu, the commonly known term for influenza, is a viral infection that shares many similarities with other upper respiratory infections. It tends to become a widespread problem around October every year, though the timeframe can shift as far out as January. 

The severity of the flu strain and the number of people likely to get it change every year, but it tends to peak around December, and some years can even extend out as far as May.

Facts about the flu shots

Your body fights off viruses and other sources of infection through your immunity system, which creates antibodies to repel anything it deems dangerous. Every year viruses like influenza mutate and change so that the antibodies you have are less effective at fighting off infection, leading to you getting the flu. 

Researchers determine the strain of flu that is most likely to be prevalent each year, and each vaccine covers multiple strains to ensure the best chances of protection. The flu shots you receive contain a very small portion of the protein from the virus to teach your antibodies to fight them off when you’re exposed to it as the season progresses. 

Reasons to get your child vaccinated

There are several reasons your child needs to get a flu shot every season:

1. Children are at higher risk of infection

Children's still-developing immune systems can lead to more severe infections depending on their age and health. Thousands of kids are hospitalized annually because of the flu, which makes it more likely that they’ll develop other problems.

2. Vaccines are the most effective option

Vaccines are designed to target specific strains that develop each year, and no other treatment will help keep them from getting infected or lessening the severity of symptoms if they are.

3. We offer options for unique needs

Kids need different types of vaccines depending on their age, and we can make sure they get the shots they need at the right dosage. If your child has egg allergies or asthma, we ensure they get a safe, allergen-free vaccine.

4. Reducing risk for you child and their classmates

Getting the flu shot as the school season begins will help reduce their chances of either getting infected with the current strain or spreading it to others when they're in class. 

The flu comes back every year, and each time, we work to be ready to protect your kids and keep them from getting sick. Make an appointment with the team at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics today to get your child the vaccine they need to be safe this season.