Contracting the flu could see five-year-old leukemia patient Isaac Tran admitted to hospital for several days.Â
“If he gets a fever, it is straight to emergency for us,” said Isaac’s mum, Marina Thunyin.Â
“Our stress levels are so high.”
Chemotherapy has weakened Isaac’s immune system making him more susceptible to infection.Â
“In the past he has caught two or three bugs at the same time and has been quite unwell,” said Marina.
Isaac was diagnosed with leukaemia at three years of age.
Isaac is receiving treatment at the Children’s Cancer Centre at Monash Children’s Hospital. Â
“Our patients pick up more infections in the wintertime when people are coming together more in inside spaces,” said the Centre’s Director, Professor John Heath.Â
“If they are unwell or have fevers, we must assume it is serious. So, they end up in hospital all the time, and on antibiotics.”Â
For Isaac, time spent in hospital is precious time away from school and his big sister.
Isaac started school this year. He is in his final stage of treatment.
 By getting the flu vaccine you can help keep immunocompromised children like Isaac out of hospital. Â
“We would encourage people to seriously consider the flu vaccine because if everybody is protected that reduces the likelihood of our children being exposed,” said Prof Heath.Â
“Just do it!” said Marina.
(Left) Isaac with treating Paediatric Oncologist Dr Michelle Martin. (Right) Prof John Heath
The flu vaccine is available in the community now at doctor clinics and pharmacies.
For more information about the flu immunisation, please visit: Influenza (flu) – immunisation – Better Health Channel