FLU SEASON

Cold and flu season is inevitable, and it seems this year it has started off with a bang! And with the weather being so crazy and changing all the time, it is almos inevitable for children to get sick. However, you can work to prevent germs from overtaking your house this year with these 5 simple steps.

Get vaccinated. - While not all parents are in favor of the flu shot, there has been success in the past with this preventative measure. Consult with your family doctor about the available options. Make sure you ask about the possible side effects and reactions to the vaccine. Knowing the answers to your questions will help you make a better choice.

Teach and practice effective hand washing techniques. - It's no secret that washing your hands can help keep the germs away. However, if you've ever watched your children "wash" their hands, you may quickly realize why this is not working. A quick rinse isn't going to keep germs away during cold and flu season. Teach your children to wash their hands effectively. Warm water, plenty of time (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" is a good guideline), and soap on both sides of your hands as well as between your fingers. You may also want to provide a small sanitizer bottle for your children to use at school frequently.

Focus on a healthy diet. - Keep an eye on your child’s diet during cold and flu season. It is still not clear whether or not vitamin C can really help you fight off a cold, however there's no reason that you shouldn't give it a try. Have orange slices for an after school snack, instead of other fruit snacks. Consider increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in your child's diet. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. See that they have a hearty breakfast before coming to school – students do not function well on an empty stomach.

Avoid those that are ill (and stay home when you're sick, too). - Keep your children home when they are ill. This helps toprevent the spread of colds and flu. Use the rule of thumb for a child to be free of fever for 24 hours before you send them back to school. They should be with out a fever on their own. Don’t keep ther fever down with medicines and then assume the’re better.

Stop sharing –While encouraging children to share their toys and games with others is a good practice, cold and flu season is a good excuse to be a little selfish with your belongings. If toys are in fact shared, be sure to clean items thoroughly. Avoid sharing things that will get/have been put in someone's mouth (which happens often with babies and toddlers).