Tips on Keeping Your Family Healthy This Flu Season

During these cold, blustery, winter months, one of a parent’s biggest concerns is the influenza virus. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cold weather does not cause colds or flu; however, the viruses that cause them tend to be more common during this time of year when children are in school and have closer contact with other kids. This is a big concern because children are generally more susceptible than adults to catching the cold or flu, which can develop into something more serious such as ear or sinus infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Taking a few preventive measures can greatly decrease your family’s chances of an infection from a cold or the flu:

• Teach your children to wash their hands several times a day to prevent the spread of infection. Encourage them to use warm, soapy water after using the restroom, playing with high-exposure toys, playing outside, and before eating. Use cleansing pads or hand sanitizer whenever clean water and soap are unavailable. However, use caution with hand sanitizers as several cases of alcohol poisoning in children from swallowing small amounts have been recorded.

• Another preventative tactic is to teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue, or if one is unavailable into their elbow. This helps to keep their little hands slightly less germ free and reduces the chance of spreading cooties to others. Stuff a package of tissue into your child’s coat pocket or backpack so they will always have some on hand.

• Develop a germ phobia by disinfecting surfaces in your home that family members commonly touch such as counter and table tops, keyboards, remote controls, telephones, light switches, doorknobs, and handrails. And, of course, the bathroom. Throw plastic toys in the dishwasher to be sanitized, and stuffed animals in the washer. And no more sharing cups, food, silverware, or towels.

• Boosting a child’s immune system can help immensely in warding off an infection from a cold or flu virus. The best way to do this is by eating healthy, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and drinking lots of fluids. Some people also prefer to give their children nutritional supplements such as Vitamin C, Zinc, or Echinacea. However, be sure to consult with your child’s pediatrician before administering any type of supplement.

By taking these steps to ward off germs and boost the immune system you can reduce the chances of catching the cold or flu. Proper hand washing, a healthy lifestyle, and preventative disinfecting can greatly help in this battle. And parents can help keep their families healthier this winter season.
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Copyright 2010 Charlene Davis. All rights reserved.