In this cooler season, how do you prevent your family from catching a cold and flu? How do you keep your family healthy? Check out these tips on how to protect your family from cold and flu.
We are currently living in a world where a simple cough or runny nose can bring so much paranoia, even if we know that it’s probably because of the flu season. Covid-19 or not, flu symptoms should still be taken seriously, as it is still an infection [of the upper respiratory tract]. Flu viruses are more common during the colder months of the year. As an infectious disease, children are most vulnerable to flu and can even cause pediatric death.
So how can you possibly protect your children from contracting the flu virus? Here are some expert-backed recommendations.
Have everyone in the family get their flu shots.
If everyone in your family already got a flu shot, good for you. Children and infant who are six months and older should receive their flu shot every year. If you have children below that age, make sure that people around them get their vaccines to decrease the likelihood of babies acquiring the flu virus.
If your child hasn’t been vaccinated and has already contracted flu, it is still recommended that they get vaccinated to ensure protection from other strains.
Wash your hands often. Teach your children how to wash their hands properly.
Good hand-washing is our first line of defense to preventing the spread of different illnesses, from common colds to more severe infections like hepatitis and even diarrhea. Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and water. Some experts suggest singing the Happy Birthday song or the entire chorus of a Disney song can ensure thorough hand washing.
Regular hand-washing is essential, especially:
- After using the bathroom
- Before and after cooking
- Before and after eating
- After touching the animals, including family pets
- After cleaning around the house
- After blowing your nose
- After being outside
Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways on how to protect your family from cold and flu
Drinking the recommended amount of water daily can solve many problems in the body. It keeps the mucus membranes of your nasal passages moist, and that helps them catch the virus before it ultimately enters your body. Fluids can also help better your blood circulation, making it easier for your white blood cells to fight the virus if it happens to slip through your body. Furthermore, it adds oxygen to your blood, and when all of your body systems have enough oxygen, they can function at their best level to flush out toxins.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, and all the right food.
We hear this a lot of times because it’s true—eating the right food will give the nutrients that your body needs to fight various illnesses, including flu. A healthy diet strengthens your family’s immune system. However, making kids eat their veggies might be a challenge, so maybe you have to be creative and put their broccoli in the blender and call it the Shrek soup!
Be proactive and address the symptom as soon as it shows up.
Being proactive in times like these can save you a lot of time, worry, and even money. If your child suddenly shows flu symptoms, no matter how mild they could be, it is best to give your entire family immune boosters. Vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea reduce symptoms and boost the immune system. While the body can fight off these viruses, immune boosters can significantly help shorten the duration of common cough and flu.
It can be stressful and worrisome when your child is sick. While it is common for children to get sick during the flu season, a few simple habits can make all the difference. The importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene comes into play, along with eating the right food. Keep in mind that prevention is better than cure, and as parents, we should do our best to be always on the preventive side.