While influenza (flu) cases are present in Hong Kong year-round, they are generally more common between January and April, and again in July and August. Following the recommendations of the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection, children aged six months to under 12 years are prioritised for seasonal flu vaccination to reduce hospitalisation or death due to flu complications. Overseas studies also indicate that vaccinating children against seasonal flu may reduce school absences and the spread of flu in the community. However, there are many rumours circulating that flu vaccination for children causes numerous side effects such as triggering asthma and high fever. Is this true?
We have invitedPaediatric Specialist Dr. Wu Chun-bunAn exhaustive explanation for everyone.
Dr. Hu Zhenbin
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong
Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom
Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (Paediatrics)
Fellow of the Hong Kong College of Paediatricians
Cardiff University Diploma in Practical Dermatology
問1How serious can flu be for a young child? 問2Influenza Versus Cold 問3Should children be vaccinated? 問4Which young children should not be vaccinated? 問5Should those with egg allergies or asthma not be vaccinated? 問6Is it possible to get the flu jab and the Covid vaccine at the same time?
Question 1: How severe can a child's flu infection become? When is the peak season for flu?
Hu: Most common colds and upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viral infections. Influenza is also a type of viral respiratory infection, with types A and B being the most common. Compared to a common cold, children infected with influenza tend to experience more severe and prolonged symptoms, such as coughing, phlegm, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fever. Some children may even develop a high fever of up to 40 degrees Celsius that lasts for a significant period. If a child's immune system is weaker, the infection may not be limited to the upper respiratory tract but can extend to the lower respiratory tract, causing conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. In some severe cases, the influenza virus can affect other organs, leading to complications such as encephalitis, and in critical situations, it can even be fatal. A few years ago, the peak season for influenza typically occurred from November to December. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years, the situation may have changed. Parents can pay attention to changes in temperature. Based on clinical experience, when the temperature drops to around 20 degrees Celsius, children tend to start showing symptoms of respiratory tract infections about a week later, leading to an increase in the number of consultations.
Question 2: How to differentiate between influenza and the common cold?
Generally, it is not recommended for parents to determine which virus their child has contracted solely based on symptoms. If a child has more prominent respiratory infection symptoms, such as a high fever, severe cough, and significant fatigue, they should seek medical attention early and undergo a rapid flu test at a clinic. If the child's symptoms are severe and they seek medical attention early, doctors can consider prescribing Tamiflu treatment to shorten the illness and reduce the risk of complications.
Flu and cold symptoms are similar, so parents should not rely on symptoms such as fever alone to distinguish which virus their child has contracted.
Question 3: Should children be vaccinated against influenza?
Influenza is a more serious respiratory infection. Unless there is a specific reason not to, it is recommended that children get the flu vaccine as early as possible, because it takes about 4 weeks after vaccination to produce sufficient antibodies for protection. Even if a child unfortunately contracts influenza after vaccination, the severity of the symptoms and the risk of complications can be reduced. Infants aged 6 months and above can receive the injected flu vaccine, while the nasal spray vaccine is recommended only for children aged 2 years and above.
Question 4: Which young children should not be vaccinated?
Regardless of whether it's an injection or a nasal spray vaccine, parents need to be aware if their child has had any specific side effects from previous vaccinations, such as a particularly high or prolonged fever, or even complications. It is recommended that children with such a history should be assessed by a doctor before receiving any vaccination.
As it takes time to develop antibodies, it is recommended that children be vaccinated against the flu as early as possible.
Question 5: Is it true that people who are allergic to eggs or have asthma should not get the flu jab?
Children with egg allergies can generally be vaccinated, but it is recommended that they be observed for 2 to 4 hours after vaccination for any specific allergic reactions. As for children with asthma, they should definitely get the flu vaccine, as influenza is a respiratory infection, and asthmatics can experience a worsening of their condition at any time if they contract a respiratory infection or bronchitis. Furthermore, other individuals with chronic respiratory diseases or heart disease should also receive the flu jab, as it can alleviate the severity of the illness should they unfortunately contract influenza, thus avoiding any impact on their pre-existing chronic conditions.
In general, children with egg allergies can still be vaccinated, but they may require a longer observation period after receiving the jab.
Question 6: Is it possible to get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Although current data on the simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines is limited, I personally do not recommend co-administration. It is safer to administer the two vaccines four weeks apart.
The information provided on this website is for general reference only and cannot replace a doctor's professional opinion or diagnosis. Please consult a doctor for details and do not delay treatment.
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