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Cold & Flu

Flu Shot Clinics:

Dr. Peñalver and the Ida Karlin Center will be hosting Flu Shot Clinics during the following dates and times for patients:

Monday, October 12, 2009 through Friday October 23rd, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

•  Please call our Triage Nurse at 253.848.0351, option 2, in order to schedule an appointment and help avoid unnecessarily long waits for the vaccine.

•  Please be reminded that this appointment will be to receive the flu vaccine only: a separate appointment will be needed in order to address any other concerns.

•  Most insurances cover the flu vaccine but, if coverage is unavailable, the vaccines are also available at $20 per vaccine.

Please note that this DOES NOT include the Swine Flu (H1N1) vaccine, as it is not yet available. A separate Swine Flu Clinic will be held as soon as the vaccine becomes available and patients will be notified by postcard and through our website.

Cold Season:

Is it the flu or a cold?
The flu and the common cold are respiratory infections caused by different viruses. They can be hard to tell apart because the flu can look like the common cold with only nose and throat symptoms or can be more serious, involving the lungs and other areas of the body.

Even though they share many of the same symptoms, there are differences. A child with a common cold usually has less of a fever and only mild coughing. Children with the flu usually feel much more sick, achy, and miserable. Also, the flu tends to strike more quickly than a cold. Stomach upsets and vomiting are more common with the flu than with a cold. Children who have colds usually have enough energy to play and keep up with their normal day-to-day routines. The flu, on the other hand, may keep most children in bed for several days.

How is the flu spread?
The flu is spread from person to person through

• Direct contact with virus droplets passed through the air from coughing and sneezing

• Indirect contact, such as hand-to-hand touching or when your child touches a contaminated surface like a toy or doorknob and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth

The flu spreads very easily, especially to other family members, preschool and school-aged children, and all adults who spend time with children.

How can I prevent the flu from spreading?
People with the flu are most infectious during the 24-hour period before symptoms appear and also on the days when the symptoms are at their worst. Good hygiene and regular housecleaning are the best ways to prevent the flu from spreading. The following are more ways to help prevent the spread of the flu:

• Teach your children to always cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze and how to use a tissue.

• Use tissues for wiping runny noses and to catch sneezes. Throw them in the trash after each use.

• Avoid kissing your child on or around the mouth or face.

• Make sure everyone washes their hands before and after coming into close contact with someone with the flu. Everyone should wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds (about as long as one verse of "Happy Birthday"). You may also use a waterless hand cleaner in addition to hand washing or if soap and water are not available.

• Don't let children share pacifiers, cups, spoons, forks, washcloths, or towels. Never share toothbrushes.

• Wash dishes, forks, and spoons in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher.

• Change cloth towels often and wash them in hot water.

• Wipe all surfaces, including toys, with a disinfectant or soap and hot water. Viruses can live for more than 30 minutes on doorknobs, toilet handles, countertops, and even toys.

• Keep children, particularly infants, away from secondhand tobacco smoke. Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke cough, wheeze more, and have a harder time getting over the flu.

How is the flu treated?
In children at least 1 year of age, influenza may be treated to speed recovery with antiviral drugs if taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin. Antiviral drugs have shown the most benefit when given as soon as symptoms begin.Extra rest and lots of fluids to prevent dehydration can help your child feel better. If your child is uncomfortable because of fever, acetaminophen may help your child feel better. Check first with your child's doctor before giving your child any other medicines, including over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. Antibiotics can be used to fight bacterial infections but have no effect on viruses, like influenza.

Who should get the flu vaccine?
Inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended for the following:

• All children 6 months of age or older with serious health problems, such as lung disease, heart disease, a weakened immune system, or cancer

• All healthy children aged 6 through 59 months

• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of all children with high-risk conditions and of all healthy children younger than 5 years

• All health care professionals