Did you know that flu season stretches from October to May? We are right in the middle of the of worst time – December – March. Ohio is getting hit hard as well as other parts of the country.
It isn’t just the flu either, it is serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza-related complica-tions cause more children to be hospitalized than any other vaccine-preventable disease. The flu is highly contagious, viral infection that affects your respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). It can be mild or severe, and can lead to complications that require hospitalization, and in some cases can be life-threatening.
Not sure if you have a cold or the flu? Check out the differences between cold and flu symptoms:
How to Keep Your Family Flu-Free
It is important to keep your family flu-free for their health and the children and families in our communities. Prevention is key and easy as A B C. The below flu prevention tips are from from Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution.
Annual Vaccine
It isn’t too late to get your annual flu vaccine. Many insurance companies offer it free too. Contact your doctor or local pharmacy. “The single best way to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated each year.” – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Be Healthy Handed
Scrub your hands for 20 seconds every time. Hot water is recommended but more than anything, it is the technique of washing your hands that matters most. Use warm, clean water, rub and scrub for 20 seconds. Have your kids sing Happy Birthday twice, that is about 20 seconds. Rinse clean with running water and dry hands.
Teach your kids to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible throughout the day. Even after they wash their hands, they are sure to pick up germs again.
Capture the Germs
Teach kids to use a tissue to catch their cough or sneeze and throw it away immediately. Then, wash your hands. If they don’t have a tissue, teach them to cough into their sleeve. If they use their hands, have them wash or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer right away. Just capture the germs!
Check out more tips for flu prevention from Elizabeth Pantley.
Is is your job to be sure your family eats healthy foods, gets plenty of exercise, adequate sleep, and follow the ABCs of flu prevention. Here’s to a healthy, flu-free year!
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