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| Category: Childrens Health |
Date published: April 8, 2007 |
Do Infants and Children Need a Meningitis and Flu Vaccine?
by Connie Limon
(Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)
There are several strains of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis. Several routine childhood immunizations like Haemophilus influenzae type B and pneumococcal protect against many types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. If your infant is exposed to bacterial meningitis and is current on all of his immunizations which includes the flu shots the infant may not need an additional meningitis vaccine. To be certain, check with your doctor.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be very serious and sometimes even deadly. By keeping your infant up-to-date on immunizations, you are protecting him or her against bacterial meningitis.
For children ages 11 or 12 a vaccine against bacterinum Neisseria meningitides, which is a common cause of bacterial meningitis is routinely recommended. The vaccine can also be given to younger children at high risk of bacterial meningitis or who have been exposed to the disease.
Antibiotics are helpful in reducing, but do not eliminate, the risk of developing bacterial meningitis if you know or suspect your child has been exposed. You can talk to your doctor about preventative antibiotics.
Seek urgent medical care if your child becomes ill after exposure to bacterial meningitis even if the child has taken antibiotics.
Symptoms of meningitis in infants include:
* Excessive irritability or sleepiness
* Constant crying and poor eating
It is crucial to receive a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of bacterial meningitis to prevent serious complications from the disease.
Many people often also wonder if children really need a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does recommend the flu vaccine for children who are at increased risk of complications from influenza. A child at risk includes:
* Children between the ages of 6 months and 59 months
* Children who have a chronic medical condition like asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS or kidney disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the flu vaccine for all caregivers, household contacts, and siblings of children in the high-risk groups to reduce a child's potential exposure to the influenza virus.
If your child is younger than 9 years of age he or she will require two doses of the flu vaccine one month apart. Only one dose does not provide adequate protection. Before flu season is best time to receive a flu shot.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
Written by: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.babiesandtoddlers1.com About Babies and Toddlers is a collection of articles all about babies and toddlers available for information, education and FREE reprints to your newsletters, websites or blogs.
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