As the flu season approaches, experts are advocating annual Influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 months to 5 years of age as it is a known fact that the symptoms of influenza virus and Covid-19 tend to mimic each other, leading to fear and anxiety among parents of young children. The flu shot acts as a vital defense, significantly reducing the risk of influenza-related complications in children so, read on as we help you to understand the importance of flu vaccination for children before monsoon.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anish Pillai, Lead Consultant- Neonatology and Paediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals in Kharghar and Navi Mumbai, shared, ”
Even though monsoon is known to provide that much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, it is known to set the stage for a plethora of health problems, one of them being the ‘common cold’ or flu infection. Flu cases in children are common in every household during the rainy season. Thus, managing a child with runny nose, cough, and fever has become a part and parcel of a parent’s life.

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Dr Anish Pillai answered,
“Influenza or flu is a contagious viral infection that takes a toll on the airways and lungs of a child and is the most common respiratory illness seen in children during monsoon. Flu leads to discomfort, and school absenteeism in children and impacts their quality of life. Also, some children may encounter severe symptoms such as breathlessness, hypoxia, irritability, and decreased appetite, requiring hospital admission. The flu virus spreads through the droplets released when a patient with flu tends to cough, sneeze or even talk. Hence, by being around an infected person, one can