Jessica Simpson's Pic of Her Sick Kids With the Flu Sparks Debate About Vaccinations & Medication
Nothing can make a parent freak out more than trying to care for a sick child -- especially if said sick child is battling that awful three-letter word. Jessica Simpson's photo of her kids battling the flu has people wishing nothing but the best for this celebrity mom, but it also sparked an unexpected debate about influenza and medication that has people talking.
Poor Jess is dealing with her 5-year-old daughter Maxwell and 4-year-old son Ace feeling under the weather.
"Fevers and the flu, but still so cute," the celeb mom writes on Instagram.
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Needless to say, Jess's post sparked an unexpected discussion, with people saying her family will be better off if they got the shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people get the flu shot, as there are still many weeks left in the flu season. Children under 5, in particular, have a higher risk for developing flu-related symptoms and complications, the CDC notes.
Others proclaimed they opted *not* to get the flu shot and feel healthier than ever -- and that the flu vaccine isn't that effective.
Outlets are noting the flu shot is only 10 percent effective this year, which could have people second-guessing whether or not it's worth it. Still, KidsHealth.org recommends everyone gets vaccinated who's 6 months or older.
Then came the great debate about Tamiflu, and whether or not parents should give it to their children.
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A number of people suggested Jessica get the antiviral medication sooner rather than later.
ABC notes Tamiful is a prescribed treatment that can help prevent (or treat) both influenza A and B. Doctors can advise patients to take the medication to help prevent the virus from spreading in your body, should you have the flu or test positive for it.
And they feel Tamiflu can do more harm to her kids than good.
Some doctors are cautioning parents about giving their kids Tamiflu, as the side effects can change the behavior in kids, KHON 2 News reports. The outlet also notes that while Tamiflu can reduce the chance of getting flu in kids 1 and older, it doesn't "prevent bacterial infections" often associated with the flu, and can put children at risk for "increased risk of seizure, confusion, or abnormal behavior" during the initial phases of the infection.
There have been cases in the news of parents who believe Tamiflu was responsible for causing their kids to dangerously hallucinate or commit suicide.