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 almost 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.
Teach and practice effective hand washing
techniques. - It's no secret that washing your hands can help keep the germs at
bay. 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 fruit snacks. Consider increasing the
amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in your child's diet, too. 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 prevents
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 their 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.
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