Get the flu vaccine and protect yourself and your family from the flu.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital encourages patients and families to get the flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect against the flu.

The best ways to protect against the flu:

• Get the flu vaccine yearly for everyone in your family 6 months and older
• Wash your hands often
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Flu symptoms for children can include:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea

Children are at greater risk for flu-related complications if they have the following conditions:

• Chronic lung conditions like asthma or cystic fibrosis
• Neurological disorders like seizures
• Heart disease
• Blood disorders like sickle cell disease
• Endocrine disorders like diabetes
• Kidney disorders
• Metabolic disorders
• Weakened immune system
• Receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• Children younger than 5