Flu Prevention

Getting an annual flu shot is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. A flu shot can help reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The more people who get a flu shot, the more we will be protecting each other from the flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

During this flu season, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will monitor the flu activity within the community. Parents, please help stop the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses by encouraging your family to follow these guidelines.

7 Things Parents Can Do To Stop the Spread of the Flu

1. Get a Flu Shot

September and October are the best times for you and your child, over 6 months, to get a flu shot. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue, even in January or later. Flu shots are safe and recommended by the CDC, especially while the world is still in a pandemic.

2. Avoid Close Contact

Do not allow your child to come into close contact with anyone who is sick. If that's not possible, try to maintain 6 feet between your child and the person who is sick.

3. Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Remember to teach your child to sneeze and cough into a tissue and throw it in the trash to help prevent fluids from spreading onto others.

4. Don't Touch Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth

Encourage your child to not touch their face with dirty, unwashed hands. This can lead to germs getting trapped in the mucous membranes of their eyes, nose and mouth, which can lead to an infection.

5. Disinfect Surfaces and Objects

Clean high touch surfaces (door knobs, tables, light switches, etc.) using soap and water to remove dirt, then use disinfectant to kill germs.

6. Wash Your Hands Often

Make sure your child washes their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day (sing the Happy Birthday song twice).

7. Take Flu Antiviral Drugs

If your child's pediatrician prescribes antiviral medication, make sure they take them to treat viral infections.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital encourages parents to continue to see your child's pediatrician to stay on schedule with well-child visits and immunizations, including flu shots.

• The flu doesn't distinguish between adults and children, so children get it quite easily, as well as adults.
• The flu shot is a safe vaccine.
• There are reports of reactions to the flu shot, but they are rare and the benefits of getting the flu far outweigh any of the adverse effects.
• If you have any concerns about your child getting a flu shot, you should consult their pediatrician.

Playrooms and Lounges at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

• Playrooms, teen rooms and family lounges are currently for the use of patients and caregivers only.
• Only healthy individuals should be in the family lounges to avoid exposure.
• Unvaccinated parents/caregivers with a patient in ‘open bay’ areas in the Outpatient Hematology/Oncology unit must wear a mask at bedside and all common areas (kitchen, nurse’s station, etc).

Hospital Guidelines

To ensure the health and safety of all our patients, families, and employees, please review our visitor policy.

And lastly, given the amount of misinformation about the flu shot, Rachel Guran, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention at Memorial Healthcare System, shares the science behind the flu shot and dispels five common myths.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, healing environment for the patients and families entrusted to our care.