School is back in session, which means the season of sniffles and coughs is on the way. That’s right. Your kids are going back to school where they mix with children from all over the city with all kind of germs. And they are bound to bring them home.
While colds are a bother most families are used to dealing with, the flu is a different story. Implementing healthy practices that help your kids deter the spread of disease at home will aid them at school, and potentially keep your family healthy through the cold and flu season. The following are ways you and your kids can protect yourselves and others from bugs that could put you out of work and play for days.
You’ve heard it a million times and it feels like overkill, but washing your hands before and after you eat, before and after you use the bathroom and pretty much anytime you think of it, helps protect you from bacteria and viruses that are spread through touch. If you aren’t going to be somewhere where soap and water is readily available, bring hand sanitizer along with you. Young children should only use sanitizer under adult supervision.
Have you ever noticed how many times you touch your mouth, eyes and nose every day? How about every hour? Germs enter your body through these areas. Set a regular reminder on your phone or wear a ring on your finger to remind you to stop and think before you touch your face. Do the same for your children.
Lack of sleep can lower your immune system and make you and your children more susceptible to falling victim to a virus after being exposed to it. If you have been around other people who are sick (or your children have) it’s important to stay well rested so your immune system can do its job. Make sure to go to bed on time, if not early, as often as possible to keep your health in check.
Start training your kids to cover their noses and mouths when they cough or sneeze. And don’t be afraid to remind others to do the same. This is a key step in preventing the spread of disease. Remember, don’t use your hand to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze: use the inside of your elbow. Then wash your hands anyways.
The following are signs that you have something more than a cold: possibly the flu even. If you or your children have the following symptoms, contact your primary care provider:
For other tips on how to stay healthy this cold and flu season click here.
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