As flu season approaches in the Philippines, many moms are starting to worry about how to keep their families safe and healthy. With the rainy season often comes an increase in flu cases, making it crucial for parents to stay vigilant. But one of the most effective ways to protect your children from flu and other illnesses is through timely vaccinations. This blog will discuss the importance of flu vaccines, the necessary immunizations for your children, and tips for staying healthy during flu season.
Bakit Mahalaga ang Flu Vaccine?
Flu, or trangkaso, is a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, especially in crowded areas like schools and public places. The symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. While many people recover from the flu in a few days, the virus can cause serious complications, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
One of the best ways to protect your child from the flu is to ensure they get vaccinated. The flu vaccine, or bakuna laban sa trangkaso, is updated annually to protect against the most common strains of the flu virus circulating that year. According to the Department of Health (DOH), flu vaccination is highly recommended for children aged six months and older, particularly those with underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, which put them at a higher risk of complications from the flu.
The flu vaccine does not guarantee that your child will not get the flu, but it significantly reduces the chances of severe illness, hospitalization, or complications like pneumonia. It also helps prevent the spread of the flu to other members of the family, especially seniors who are more vulnerable.
Recommended Vaccines for Children During Flu Season
Besides the flu vaccine, there are other important vaccines that Filipino moms should keep in mind to ensure their children stay healthy, not just during flu season but year-round. The DOH’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) outlines the essential vaccines every child in the Philippines should receive, which include:
- BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin): This vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis, a disease still prevalent in the Philippines. Children typically receive this vaccine at birth.
- Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT-HepB-Hib): This combination vaccine protects against five diseases: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). The first dose is usually administered at six weeks old.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): This vaccine protects against pneumococcal disease, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Pneumococcal infections are a common complication of the flu, so it’s vital for children to receive this vaccine.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: This vaccine is given to protect children from measles, mumps, and rubella. With outbreaks of measles still occurring in the Philippines, keeping up with the MMR vaccine is crucial.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: While not related to the flu, rotavirus is another seasonal virus that causes severe diarrhea in children. It’s important to vaccinate against this as it can lead to dehydration and hospitalization, especially in young infants.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: With the ongoing pandemic, some children are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Consult your pediatrician or local health center to see if your child qualifies and when they should get vaccinated.
When Should Your Child Get the Flu Vaccine?
The ideal time to get the flu vaccine is just before flu season starts, usually from June to September in the Philippines. However, flu season can sometimes extend until early next year. It’s best to consult your pediatrician or local health center about the right time to schedule your child’s flu shot.
According to Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, an infectious disease specialist from the Philippine Pediatric Society, getting vaccinated early is key to ensuring that your child is protected before flu season peaks. Vaccines take about two weeks to become fully effective, so the sooner you vaccinate, the better.
Tips for Staying Healthy During Flu Season
Aside from getting vaccinated, here are some additional tips to help protect your family from the flu and other illnesses:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Teach your children the importance of washing their hands regularly, especially before eating and after playing outside. Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is effective in killing germs.
- Boost Their Immune System: Make sure your children are eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to keep their immune systems strong. Encourage them to drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.
- Keep Them Active: Regular physical activity can help boost your child’s immune system and overall health. Even indoor exercises or simple stretching at home can make a difference.
- Stay Home if Sick: If your child shows symptoms of the flu, such as fever or a persistent cough, keep them at home to prevent the spread of the virus. Consult your pediatrician for proper care and treatment.
- Visit Your Pediatrician: Regular check-ups with your child’s pediatrician can help ensure they’re up-to-date with their vaccines and ready to face flu season with a strong immune system.
As a mom, your child’s health and safety are always your top priorities. By staying informed about the necessary vaccines and taking preventive steps, you can protect your family during flu season. Remember, the flu vaccine is your first line of defense, and combining it with good hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical check-ups will help keep your children healthy and thriving.
For more information about childhood immunizations, visit your local health center or check out the DOH’s Expanded Program on Immunization guidelines at https://doh.gov.ph. You can also consult your family pediatrician for personalized advice on keeping your children safe and healthy during flu season.
Stay healthy, mommies! Let’s protect our kids, one vaccine at a time.
Sources:
- Department of Health (DOH) – Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI): This government program provides detailed information on vaccines required for children in the Philippines. For more on the DOH’s vaccination guidelines, you can visit their official site: https://doh.gov.ph/national-immunization-program.
- Philippine Pediatric Society: Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, a known infectious disease specialist, offers expert advice on childhood immunization. For more insights, visit the Philippine Pediatric Society’s site or relevant interviews: https://pps.org.ph/.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Philippines: The WHO provides valuable data on vaccination and health guidelines in the Philippines, including the importance of the flu vaccine: https://www.who.int/philippines.
- National Immunization Program – Philippines: For further reading on the schedule and availability of vaccines in the Philippines, consult this resource: https://www.philvaccine.gov.ph.
- UNICEF Philippines: UNICEF’s campaigns on vaccination and child health in the Philippines also provide detailed information on the importance of vaccines: https://www.unicef.org/philippines.
