Talk of the flu epidemic is everywhere. As parents, we need to care for ourselves as well as our children. The risk of infection and spread of the flu, including H3N2v, can be reduced by taking a combination of actions. CDC recommends you take everyday preventive actions.
Teach your child to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If there is no tissue available make sure to sneeze or cough on the inside of your elbow. Be a good example and use this method when you cough and sneeze as well.
If a tissue is used throw the tissue in the trash after you use it, please do not reuse. This is when the reduce, reuse, recycle may be thrown out the window.
Make sure both you and your child are washing hands often with soap and water. After a cough or sneeze or cleaning up after one, coming inside, after playing with toys, etc .. If the sink is not handy use an antibacterial hand sanitiser gel instead.
Talk about avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are spread this way. A great way to demonstrate this is with glitter. Place some glitter on your child's hands and have him touch a piece of paper. Show him/her where the glitter came off. Show your child in the mirror what happens when they touch their face. Then use this time as a hand washing lesson, getting all of the glitter off.
Drink plenty of water, take your vitamins and eat a well balanced diet are tips that are good year round. However can become highly recommended during the flu season.
If you or your child is sick, stay home until your illness is over..
Remember teaching your child or telling your child once is not going to create a habit, so consistency is a must. Keep on the look out and reward good prevention skills and correct the ones not yet learned.
Have you and your child gotten your flu shot? It is not to late to get one. Call you doctor or pediatrician today.
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