Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about autumnal health concerns. Doctors generally recommend that people who are at high risk for flu complications — such as the elderly and those with chronic health problems – get vaccinated against the flu at this time of year. But if you want your whole family to stay healthy through the fall and winter, consider getting school-age children vaccinated, as well.
Dr. Octavio Ramilo, a pediatrician at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says immunizing school kids can have a big impact on the spread of flu in a community. Kids are likely to spread germs because they’re not good about washing their hands often and they come in close contact with others as they play. Children who get sick then bring the illness home with them to spread to other family members. Dr. Ramilo suggests that all children over six months of age be vaccinated.
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October 2007
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