Flu/pneumonia

[bria328]

My daughter is ten years old.  She had the flu for 5 days and then she developed pneumonia.  The doctor prescribed azithromycin.  She is feeling much better and is improving with each day.  However, everyone that I speak to is encouraging me to have her get the flu shot.  Is this necessary after she has already had the flu?  And is she more at risk to get a relapse if she resumes normal activity too soon.  Thank you.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

it could have been another virus other than flu.

the flu shot can't give her the flu, so it's worth giving to her since the infection she had was not necessarily influenza

she will not relapse from getting the shot, but she needs to rest until her doctor says it's time to return to regular activity

[bria328]

It was most definitely the flu.  She had a fever that lasted 3-4 days, accompanied by a severe head ache, a dry persistant cough and body ache. The fever broke on the 4th day.  Over the next 2 days, she was lethargic and could not get out of bed.  Then she developed an infection in her lungs and her doctor prescribed azrithromycin for a five day treatment.  She is feeling great and is returning to her usual self.  

[Enoch Choi, MD]

I'm so glad.  Great job!