Importance of Immunizations (Flu) And Preventative Care

How a flu vaccination from your pediatrician in Maricopa, AZ, can help your child stay healthy this flu season

This flu season, you want to do everything you can to keep your child healthy. Flu can cause some serious symptoms in children, so your child needs to be protected. Your pediatrician can help.

Dr. Anthony DiGeorge at Southwestern Pediatrics & Family Care in Maricopa, AZ, provides comprehensive medical care for children, and he can help your child stay healthy this flu season.

Influenza or the flu is caused by a virus, which your child can acquire from other people who are sick, and from infected surfaces at home and at daycare or school.

The younger your child is, the greater the risk of serious complications from the flu. If your child has diabetes and asthma, your child also has an increased risk of serious complications.

One of the easiest, most effective ways you can protect your child and your family is to make sure your child, your family, and you receive the flu vaccine. Children who are at least 6 months old are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Other preventive steps you can take are to teach your child to:

• Cover their mouth with a tissue when coughing
• Throw away dirty tissues and avoid keeping them in the pockets of clothes
• Wash their hands frequently, using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer
• Avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes to keep germs from spreading

You should also wipe down surfaces with a cleaning agent and disinfectant to keep germs under control.

To learn more about the importance of your child and your family getting the flu vaccine, and other ways to prevent the spread of the flu, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Anthony DiGeorge at Southwestern Pediatrics & Family Care in Maricopa, AZ. You can reach him in the office by calling (520) 568-9500, so call now.