Keeping your child healthy and happy is crucial as a parent. Accordingly, many parents aim to protect their kids during flu season, as the flu virus often spreads rapidly among children. Most kids recover quickly from the flu, but avoiding bothersome symptoms is the best course of action. Here are a few methods parents can use to keep kids safeguarded against the flu.
It’s recommended that most people aged six months and older should receive a flu shot each year. Flu vaccinations greatly reduce one’s risk of experiencing the flu and its unpleasant effects (including fever, sore throat, and runny nose). However, yearly vaccinations also prevent others from getting sick.
Proper handwashing is highly effective at helping kids avoid germs. Practice the following steps with your child to ensure they can wash their hands correctly on their own:
Kids should wash their hands after using the restroom and before eating. Children should also be advised to avoid touching their faces, as doing so can introduce germs into the body.
The flu is extremely contagious, often being spread by inhaling contaminated droplets that result from a person coughing or sneezing. The flu can also be spread by handling contaminated objects and items, such as school supplies. As a result, kids should be urged to avoid anyone exhibiting flu symptoms. Similarly, be sure to keep your child home from school when they exhibit symptoms of the flu or other illnesses.
Eating right and getting enough sleep each night can help strengthen a person’s immune system. Accordingly, parents must make sure that their kids have access to a nutritious diet and a healthy sleep schedule. While your child may balk at an early bedtime, remember that it’s important for kids to get at least nine hours of sleep each night (while younger children may need as much as 10 to 13 hours).
Taking care of your family can take up a lot of time, so we’re here to take care of you. DrOwl offers a secure and convenient way to access your complete healthcare record via a mobile device. Easy access to your medical records means you can update information, review your healthcare history, and check for errors any time. Contact us today to learn more or check out our blog for more helpful health resources.
