The 2011-2012 Flu Season: Protecting our Children from
Influenza School Name Name of Presenter Presentation Date
Slide 2
What is the flu? Influenza, also called the flu, is caused by a
virus that infects the respiratory tract. The flu virus changes
every year. The flu affects as many as 1 in 5 people in the United
States every year. The good news is that a safe, effective vaccine
can prevent the flu.
Slide 3
What are the symptoms? Symptoms of the flu include: Fever
Headache Tiredness Cough Sore throat Runny/stuffy nose Muscle aches
Some children can have serious health problems from the flu.
Slide 4
How is the flu spread? The flu is usually spread through the
air, in droplets from coughs or sneezes. The flu can be easily
spread in schools. School-aged children are up to four times as
likely as adults to get the flu. People can become infected if they
touch something with the flu virus living on it and then touch
their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands. Flu viruses
can live on surfaces such as desks, cafeteria tables, or doorknobs
for up to 2 hours.
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How can I protect my child from the flu? Getting a flu vaccine
is the best way to protect your child from the flu. Dont spread the
flu. Get vaccinated and make sure family members are vaccinated
too. Its especially important to get vaccinated if you care for an
infant in your home. Take everyday steps to prevent the spread of
germs.
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Who should get vaccinated? EVERYONE 6 months of age and older,
even healthy kids and adults. Pregnant women and people with
chronic conditions can and should get vaccinated If you have an egg
allergy, you may be eligible for vaccination. Talk to your doctor.
Some children need 2 doses of flu vaccine. Talk to your childs
doctor to learn if he/she needs 2 doses.
Slide 7
Why get vaccinated every flu season? It is important to get
vaccinated every flu season because each season the vaccine is
specially designed to fight the types of flu that are most common
that season. Even though this seasons vaccine types are the same as
last seasons, you still need a flu vaccine now. Protection from
last seasons vaccine may have worn off.
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What are the types of flu vaccine? The vaccine can be delivered
through a shot or a nasal spray. The flu shot can be given to
people ages 6 months and older. The nasal spray can only be given
to healthy people 2 through 49 years of age.
Slide 9
The body makes antibodies to fight these germs. You receive a
weakened or dead form of the disease germ through the vaccine. This
does NOT make you sick. If the actual disease germs ever attack,
the antibodies are still there to destroy them! OH NO! How do flu
vaccines work?
Slide 10
How safe are flu vaccines? Very safe. All vaccines are tested
to be certain that they are safe. Most people have only mild side
effects such as a low fever or soreness in the arm. This means that
the body is responding to the vaccine. Serious side effects are
very rare.
Slide 11
How safe are flu vaccines? There is no evidence that vaccines
are linked to autism. It is safe to get a flu vaccine at the same
time as other vaccines. You cannot get the flu from a flu
vaccine!
Slide 12
Where can you get vaccinated? Doctors offices, community health
centers, public health clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and schools
Many insurance plans cover flu vaccinations for children and adults
If your child does not have insurance, you can find no-cost or
low-cost vaccines in your area: Visit the Los Angeles County
Immunization Program at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip Dial the
Los Angeles County Information at 2-1-1
Slide 13
What is the role of schools? Schools keep communities healthy
by: Providing flu prevention messages and encouraging flu
vaccination. Posting notices about hand washing in restrooms. Being
vigilant about cleaning classrooms.
Slide 14
What is the role of parents? Parents keep communities healthy
by: Vaccinating their children and themselves against
vaccine-preventable diseases, including the flu. Keeping sick
children home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever
passes. Teaching and practicing healthy hygiene practices.
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What should we teach children? Cover coughs and sneezes with a
tissue or their sleeve. Wash their hands often with soap and warm
water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Especially after coughing or
sneezing. Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Where can I get more information? Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention www.cdc.gov/flu Los Angeles County Department of
Public Health Immunization Program www.publichealth.lacounty.
gov/ip
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Questions?
Slide 18
Acknowledgement This presentation was adapted from a template
for schools developed by the Los Angeles County Department of
Public Health Immunization Program.