Influenza Prevention

With the anticipation of a serious influenza season upon us, the medical staff of Holliston Pediatrics is available to offer assistance and answer questions. The prevention of influenza is part of assuring the health and well-being of your child. We fully support the use of the influenza vaccine as an important tool in this prevention. As stated by the Center for Disease Control:

“Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza.”

Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?

Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Who is recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine?

• Pregnant women
• Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age (e.g. parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications

Influenza - General Information

For general information about influenza, try these websites:

Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Dept of Health and Human Services
http://www.flu.gov/

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/swineflu.htm