Autumn weather is here. Cold and flu season has started off with a bang. With a toddler and two children in elementary school, I see germs everywhere. Though I’ve stocked up on everything we’ll need to treat coughs, colds, and the dreaded flu if it strikes our family, preventing the flu in kids is always our goal. What can your family do to prevent the flu this year?
Get vaccinated.
Our local health department actually teams up with the school board to offer the FluMist to children at the elementary school that my children attend. While not all parents are in favor of the flu shot, we’ve had success in the past with this preventative measure. The CDC notes that it is the most effective way to prevent against the flu.
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 tried and true tactic isn’t cutting it. The quick rinse I’ve witnessed 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.
Focus on a healthy diet.
Keep an eye on your child’s diet during cold and flu season. Though the verdict is still out on whether or not vitamin C can really help you fight off a cold, 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 water throughout the day.
Avoid those that are ill (and stay home when you’re sick, too).
I keep my children home when they are ill, and I hope that others are willing to do the same. This prevents the spread of colds and flu. While I don’t cancel play dates and let the kids stay home from school every time they have a sniffle, I do try to err on the side of caution. If the guest of honor at Saturday’s birthday party had a fever until midnight, you might want to sit this one out.
Stop sharing.
Of course, I do encourage my children to share their toys and games with other children. However, cold and flu season is a good excuse to be a little selfish with your belongings. If you do share toys with the neighborhood kids, 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).
Cold and flu season is inevitable. However, you can work to prevent germs from overtaking your house this year with these 5 simple steps.