Are you worried about your kids getting the flu?

Culture & Society Forum

This year the flu is very deadly to children. Are you afraid for your children or the kids in your life this flu season?

I am very worried this season. My son Damon was born a month early. He is 4 now, but he gets sick so easily. I fear for his health with this mutant strain out there. I now that I am paranoid, but we fertility mom's tend to freak about our kids health.

I'm concerned about my boyfriend's daughter. She's 2 1/2 years old and susceptable to illnesses. She's had bronchitis and other ailments. She had a flu type infection 2 weeks ago but she's living in a rural area in the south so I don't think it's the mutant strain of flu. I know that the flu shots are not for the strain that has been so deadly to children this year but I wonder if it would help kids build up their immunities anyway.
Sherry have you talked to Damon's doctor? Hear anything about that?

Damon has a cold, so I have not talked to his doctor yet. I spent today getting a new thermometer, cough medicine, vitamins and things to help him out. I know that most doctors here in San Diego are recommending that children under 2 and children with asthma or other serious respiratory ailments get the vaccine. They have said on the news that getting the vaccine may make your flu less severe if you get the mutant one.

Yeah I think the vaccine, even though it's not for that particular mutated strain will still help build up a child's immunity. My boyfriend's daughter was born 3 months premature and spent 2 1/2 months in the pediatric ICU. He's going to get her pediarician's information from his ex when he picks up their daughter this weekend so we can contact him and find out what the best prevention is.
Have you thought about giving Damon echenatia? (Spelling?) The herbal suppliment that helps build up immunities for colds and such?

I had not thought about it Chel. I am very wary of herbs with children since they are not regulated. I will ask his doctor. Damon is very sick now. He has a fever, bad cough, and does not want to eat or drink at all. So, we are going to the doctor today. I am just waiting for the appointment time.

My oldest nephew is now 24. He was born 10 weeks early and spent 6 months in the hospital. It is just amazing what these kids go through and how strong they can be. I hope your boyfriends little girl has a good pediatrician and does not get this nasy bug. It breaks my heart to see little kids sick.

Me too, I hope Damon feels better, I'll let you know if we hear anything from Sherin's doctor about the vaccine and this new strain. (Although going to the doctor's, you'll probably know before we do.)

We just got back from the E.R. Damon had to go because he refused to eat or drink. His pediatrician sent him. No pneumonia. All the kids are sick. They are recommending flu shots to premies and kids with other problems. We spent 7 hours there, and Damon was so lethargic. Beware, the flu is everywhere now.