by Claudia Boyd-Barrett posted in Parenting

It's hard not to feel anxious about this season's flu virus given the reports of widespread flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
While there is no 100 percent-effective way to avoid the flu, a little knowledge can go a long way in protecting your family's health and safeguarding little ones from serious flu-related illness.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
? It's not too late to get a flu shot. The flu is expected to continue circulating for several more weeks, so getting a shot now can still offer protection. Anyone 6 months of age or older can get a flu vaccine.
? Flu shots are especially important for kids. A new study shows about three-quarters of children who died during past flu seasons were not fully vaccinated, and children ages 2 and younger are most at risk of flu complications. ? This year's flu vaccine is more effective than previously thought. According to the CDC, the flu shot protects 1 in 4 people against the most serious flu strain, reducing their risk of getting so sick they need to see a doctor. For children younger than 9 the shot works even better, cutting their risk of severe flu by half.
? Getting a flu shot while pregnant can protect your baby. Research shows babies born to women vaccinated against flu had a 70 percent lower risk of getting influenza before 6 months of age than infants born to moms who didn?t get a flu shot.
? There are ways to help protect young babies from flu. If your bab...