Imagine this: I was at the pediatrician’s office with my three boys for their yearly flu vaccinations. As the nurse entered, she brightly announced, “Great! We’re all here for flu shots!” My youngest, Alex, who was just six, immediately erupted in tears. Getting my kids to the doctor is challenging enough, and the mere mention of shots sends them into a panic. If I had told them about the appointment ahead of time, Alex would have been stressed from the moment we left home.
He jumped off the exam table, wailing that there was no way he was getting a shot and attempted to flee the room. I exchanged a bewildered glance with the nurse—how could she say “shot” so casually in a pediatric setting? I urged her to bring the vaccines quickly, knowing I couldn’t hold him there forever. With some assistance from my older son, I managed to get Alex back onto the table. He cried, and the nurse struggled to administer the shot in his arm, finally opting for his upper thigh instead. My other two boys grumbled a bit but took their shots like troopers.
The next day, Alex complained of leg pain. I figured it was a normal reaction to the vaccine, so I gave him some ibuprofen and thought nothing more of it. However, that night he began vomiting and continued to complain about his leg. I assumed it was just a reaction to the shot—a common occurrence. When he woke up the following morning unable to walk and crawling on the floor, it was clear this was more serious than I had initially thought. I took him to urgent care, where they were uncertain about his condition. After contacting his pediatrician, we managed to get an appointment there.
In hindsight, I should have gone straight to the emergency room, but I dreaded the prospect of a lengthy wait. Fortunately, his pediatrician managed to get us in with an orthopedic specialist within two hours. Ultimately, we learned that Alex had toxic synovitis. According to experts, toxic synovitis is often triggered by a viral infection, but it can also develop after vaccinations or certain medications, resulting in an immune response that affects the joints. Essentially, his body was reacting to the introduction of a virus.
What’s important to note is that Alex wasn’t sick prior to getting the flu shot; the only change was the vaccine. Thankfully, this condition wasn’t permanent, and he fully recovered after two weeks on crutches. I felt an overwhelming mix of guilt and fear, having insisted he get the shot.
Would I Change My Decision?
Would I change my decision about vaccinating him next year? Not a chance. I would choose to vaccinate him every year (even twice a year) if it meant potentially saving his life. Since my first child was born, I’ve been a protective mom, always striving to do what’s best for my kids. To date, over 50 children have lost their lives to the flu this season—that is far too many.
The threat of the flu looms large, and I find myself increasingly anxious every year as the warnings roll in: “Get your flu shot, it’s starting earlier than last year, and it’s worse this year.” As a mother, each news story of a child succumbing to the virus fills me with dread, and I pray my children won’t be next. It’s left me so anxious that I often hesitate to send them to school during flu season, constantly checking their temperatures and feeling my anxiety spike at the slightest cough.
Why This Anxiety?
Why am I like this? Since becoming a mom to three boys, I’ve dealt with nearly every virus out there. All my kids have asthma, making them particularly vulnerable. We’ve faced it all: Fifth disease, Sixth disease, strep throat, croup, pinkeye, scarlet fever, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and even rotavirus before a vaccine was available.
If your child is sick, please keep them home. If they have a fever, don’t resort to ibuprofen or Tylenol just to get through the day. There are children who cannot afford to catch the flu due to serious medical conditions. Trust me, I’ve seen the impact on my asthmatic kids when they fall ill. Schools may have attendance policies, but your child’s health comes first. Take them to a doctor, get a note, and keep them at home. The flu and its germs do not need to be spread around.
The Importance of Vaccination
The flu is a serious concern. Protect your children by vaccinating them; the risks associated with the flu far outweigh any potential side effects from the vaccine. For more information about maintaining your family’s health, check out this excellent resource from the CDC.
In summary, the experience with my son’s toxic synovitis after his flu shot was alarming but did not deter me from vaccinating my children. The flu poses significant risks, and I remain committed to ensuring my kids are protected each year.