Flu (Influenza) Information and Updates
Who should get a flu shot? | Tips for Inpatient Families l Guidelines for Breastfeeding Mothers | Flu-Related Resources l In the News
Who should get a flu shot?
There is currently a shortage of influenza vaccine. As a consequence, the available vaccine stocks must be utilized to provide maximum benefits for the patients we serve. Based on the supply of inactivated influenza vaccine on hand, we anticipate being able to meet our patient needs for the highest risk categories. However, there will not be sufficient supply for individuals who are not in a high-risk category but who "wish to be protected." Immunization of the latter group must therefore be deferred. The live intranasal vaccine, FluMist", is not an option for high-risk patients.
We ask that immunization of our patients with inactivated influenza vaccine be restricted to individuals who are in one of the priority categories outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
- Children 6 through 23 months of age
- People 24 months of age and older with chronic medical conditions
- Residents of chronic care facilities
- Children on chronic aspirin therapy
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 0-6 months of age
- Women pregnant during the flu season
Persons Who Should Not Receive Influenza Vaccine
- Persons with a severe allergy (i.e., anaphylactic allergic reaction) to hens' eggs
- Persons who previously had onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome during the 6 weeks after receiving influenza vaccine
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Tips for Inpatient Families
During the fall and winter seasons when flu and respiratory illness are common, it is important that we protect our inpatients by limiting their potential exposure to germs such as the flu virus. The safest place for you and your child to avoid germs from others is in your child's room. If your child is not in isolation and you choose to leave the room, please take thefollowing steps:
Avoid public spaces such as the cafeteria, especially at busy times.
Avoid standing close to other people. Standing three feet away from others can help protect you from germs spread by coughs and sneezes.
Wash your hands after you touch items in public spaces.
As an added general precaution, whether you leave the room or not, use tissues when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissues away after they are used, then wash your hands.
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Guidelines for Breastfeeding Mothers
During flu season, Cincinnati Children's may restrict hospital visits. This is an important measure for the safety of all children. We want to do everything we can to protect hospitalized children and to keep healthy children from being exposed to the flu or respiratory illness.
During flu season, we strongly advise you not to bring your infant when you come to Cincinnati Children's to see a hospitalized child. If you must bring your baby in to breastfeed, please take the above steps for safety.
As always, if you bring an infant to the hospital, be sure to bring everything you'll need to take care of the baby -- an infant carrier, diapers, formula and other supplies.
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Flu-Related Resources
For additional information on the flu and respiratory illness, Cincinnati Children's recommends these web sites:
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Flu Information in the News
The flu season is a hot topic in the news. In 2003, doctors at Cincinnati Children's shared some valuable tips and information about the flu on various TV and radio programs. The information shared on these programs can be helpful to families during the 2005-2006 flu season.
TV Segment
Thomas DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Director of General and Community Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's, answers Family FAQs on Channel 12, WKRC. On December 18, 2003, he answered a question about Influenza. Watch this segment:
Get help and answers to frequent questions about streaming media.
Radio Segments
Steve Muething, MD, associate director of clinical services in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics, can now be heard weekly "The Health Show," distributed by WAMC / Northeast Public Radio. On December 18, 2003, he spoke about Kids and the Flu. Listen to this segment:
On November 19, 2003, he spoke about Flu Shots for Kids. Listen to this segment:
Dr. Muething also focused a "Your Child's Health" radio segment on the flu. Listen to this segment:
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Updated 11/05
