During flu season many viruses peak in activity and make children sick. It is frustrating and exhausting for parents, especially for working parents when one or more children are sick at home, and unable to attend childcare or school. It is necessary to focus on your doing to keep your kids healthier during cold and flu season. Check out here some proven tips to keep your lovely kids healthy during flu season.
Ways to prevent your children from catching cold, Flu
Make kids wash hands frequently
You can find a variety of great resources available to teach your children effective handwashing techniques. Remember that handwashing is still one of the most important practices that reduce the spread of the flu and other illnesses.
The earlier you can teach this skill and the faster you can impart how important it is to maintain a good hygiene routine the better! Your children always follow you, so modeling this behavior is a great way to install good habits.
Kids are habituated to often touching their mouths and faces. So you should make sure your kids wash their hands with soap and water to remove germs before eating, after using the bathroom, and when they come inside from playing.
Plenty of Sleep
If you want to stay well, take enough and proper sleep. It is true for adults and children as well. Lack of sleep generally weakens the immune system and at the same time increases the risk of getting sick. Children need at least 9 to 14 hours of sleep a day depending on their age.
Without enough proper sleep, children become exhausted which means their body doesn’t have the energy to devote to fighting off infection. So, maintain a normal sleep schedule for your children to improve their overall mood and alertness. Besides, it can be instrumental in keeping your children well during the flu season.
Staying active is as important as sleep. It is also a good wellness routine. Regular and moderate exercise boosts children’s immune systems. So, always inspire and ask your children to get up and get moving. Some research has shown that activeness can help reduce cold and flu episodes.
Make sure your kids keep continuing playing. For older kids, sports can be a great way to burn energy and boost their immune systems. However, if you think sports aren’t an option for your kid, tell them just simply get up and move around both indoors and outdoors. This is also beneficial.
Nutrition
Eating nutritious food keeps us healthy and fit along with enabling our immune system to function properly. By providing plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, you can help boost children’s immune systems. Although getting your kids to choose healthy snacks over chips or sugary foods can be difficult, even small changes can help.
Taking a well-balanced diet is another area of health that your children replicate when they see you doing it. Give them foods high in vitamin C and D and avoid foods high in additives, preservatives, and sugars.
Mindful
You need to remember that stress is also related to staying well. Generally, when we’re stressed for a long time, our overall immunity decreases. That’s why it is important to encourage your kids to rest and relax. In this regard, creative play can be a way to unwind.
As sometimes children cannot learn how to interact with their surroundings, things can get a little overwhelming for them. So, make them practice mindfulness to keep stress down. Teach them how to cope with complex situations.
During flu season as cold or flu symptoms are available outside, it’s best to keep them home. If you can keep your kids free of major symptoms means they’re in the clear, but you know your kids better than anyone else.
Avoid germy sharing
Undoubtedly, sharing is good for kids and they should learn it from the early stage of life. But make sure they don’t share common items like straws, cups, scarves, or anything that comes in contact with their mouths and faces with others, especially if they are attracted by the flu as these items can be breeding grounds for germs.
Most importantly, tell them to Wear a Mask in commonplace because a mask is a practical way to prevent the spread of the flu.
Vaccinations Up To Date
Make sure that your children and other family members are up to date on their vaccinations.
Special Tips for newborns/ infants
First two months
The first two months are the most crucial moments. So, be on high alert this time and keep the baby away from crowded places such as shopping malls and grocery stores.
Covered when in public places
Cover your baby with a thin blanket when you are in a public place to avoid a worse touch.
Always carry disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer
Use disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer every time before touching the baby.
Breastfeed frequently if possible
Breastfeeding gives antibodies to your baby which gives your little one an extra line of defense.
Get your shots
As babies can’t get the flu vaccine until they’re six months old, so you are urged to get vaccines for flu and pertussis.
Special tips for toddlers
– Stay on top of routine vaccines.
– Keep little hands clean.
– Tips to encourage good hand hygiene.
– Consult with your family doctor.
– Stay prepared with a sick kit.
– Ways to help stop the spread.
Special tips for school-going children
– Get your child’s flu shot
– Prevent the spread of germs by Uing a tissue at the time of cough or sneeze.
– Make them wash their hands with soap and clean water.
– Reminding children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
– Provide sanitizers to your child’s classroom.
– Keep away from sick people and stay home if you are sick
– Reinforce healthy habits at home and school.
Bottom Line
During the season of Flu kids may catch cold easily through contraction with sick people or transmission of virus. The parents, caregivers as well as older members of the family should stay cautious. Prevention is better than cure. So far, we have mentioned some practical and effective tips to keep children away from flu and cold. Follow this measures to protect your children from catching colds, and flu. However, if the child still gets affected, consult with a doctor without delay.
Source: United News of Bangladesh