Parents: Here’s How to Prepare for Flu Season This Year

It is officially flu season. Between the months of October and May, the influenza virus peaks and infects adults and children, although symptoms and severity may vary significantly. The flu is far more dangerous for younger children than the common cold, which is why the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges parents to prepare.

Listed below are some helpful tips for parents during flu season:

• Get vaccinated. An annual flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect your family from the flu. The vaccine has been proven to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death in children.
• Take daily preventive actions. Keep your child home if they have the flu and keep them away from anyone else who is sick. Tell your children to cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze. In addition, you should tell them to wash their hands with soap afterwards. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces as often as you can, especially if someone in your family is sick.
• Visit your child’s pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis. Never assume that you know exactly what’s wrong with your child and what their symptoms mean. Visit your doctor to receive antiviral medication and instructions on how to recover.

Your child can experience serious complications from the flu, including:

• Pneumonia
• Severe dehydration
• Worsening of any long-term medical conditions
• Long-lasting sinus problems
• Ear infections

Was Your Child Harmed by a Flu Misdiagnosis? Call Our Washington DC Medical Malpractice Firm Today

Diagnostic errors are an extremely common type of medical mistake in the United States. Unfortunately, medical errors involving the flu can result in permanent complications or death. Patients who are affected by medical errors or surviving family members could recover compensation.

Regan Zambri Long PLLC has written blog posts about the dangers of flu misdiagnoses previously. Please visit our blog for more information. Contact our DC medical malpractice office if you have questions about filing a malpractice claim.