Experts now consider the flu to be widespread in the US and Minnesota and it appears to be hitting kids harder. Children's saw 325 lab-confirmed influenza cases during the last week of December. We also saw more flu-related hospitalizations during this period. Normally, 10-15 children are admitted to our hospitals in a week, but the last week of December saw 28 new hospitalizations for the illness.
Flu season is in full swing, so we're sharing what parents need to know about influenza and what they should do if their child has flu-like symptoms.
Between school, sports and activities, homework, and more, fall is a busy time for families. Although there’s a lot on parents’ minds, influenza vaccinations, or flu shots, should be top of mind this time of year. Patsy Stinchfield, APRN, CNP, senior director of infection prevention, explains what parents need to know about flu shots.
Joseph Kurland, vaccine specialist, spoke to Wired about people’s perceptions of the flu vaccine.
Joe Kurland discussed the differences between the flu vaccine and nasal spray.
October 18, 2018, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m., Minneapolis
Melanie Brown, MD, FAAP
Influenza, or “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection that can leave people of all ages feeling miserable. The most common symptoms include: a high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pains, headache, coughing, and feeling tired.
The flu, or influenza, is a complex, highly-contagious virus that is nearly impossible to predict. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza.
Influenza, or “the flu,” is often confused with the common cold because symptoms of both illnesses can be similar. Joe Kurland, vaccine specialist and infection preventionist, explains how to spot the difference.
The flu, or influenza, is a complex, highly-contagious virus that is nearly impossible to predict. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza.