Flu season runs from October through May, and peaks in January and February each year. Help your child avoid getting sick by following these ten tips from the experts at Pediatric Critical Care of South Florida.
• Make sure that all of your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date, according to age requirements, especially the flu shot. Although the flu shot does not guarantee they will not get sick, it lessens the severity.
• Teach your child to wash their hands properly by using warm water, working-up a lather with soap, and making sure that they clean both sides of their hands, wrists, nails, and between their fingers for 15 to 20 seconds.
• Instruct your child to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, or blowing their nose. Washing their hands properly reduces the chances of germs ending up on the body.
• When soap and water is not available, have your child use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Prevent your child from spreading their germs to others by keeping them home from school and other activities when they are sick.
• Learn the difference between the cold and the flu. The flu lasts longer and is much more intense, with symptoms that include fever, body aches, and vomiting. Colds are not as severe and are typically shorter in length.
• Make sure that your child avoids fatigue by sleeping the adequate amount of hours and staying physically active during the flu season.
• Healthy habits will keep your child’s body strong. Have them eat nutritious whole foods, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
• In order to avoid spreading viruses, teach your child not to share, drink or eat from the same cups or utensils as their friends or classmates. This also includes parents and other family members.
• Sanitize your home and other shared surfaces, including your child’s computer, phone, or tablet, regularly with a good disinfectant at least once a week during flu season.