The temperature is dropping and we all know what that means, the dreaded winter cold or flu frenzy are tapping on our shoulders. A case of the flu or a winter cold is something that could bring your whole household to a screeching halt. As a parent, of course, that is the last thing you want. Here are some precautionary measures you can take to make sure you and your family stay healthy all winter long.
1. Get Vaccinated
One of the best ways to protect your child and everyone else in your family is to get your flu shot. Not only does a flu shot help to prevent the flu in the individual, but it also helps to prevent the spreading of the illness. If you haven’t yet, make sure to get your entire family vaccinated against the flu. The Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive an annual flu vaccination.
2. Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits
We touched on this a bit in our tips for a healthy school year article, but healthy hygiene habits are extremely important for preventing the spread of any illness, especially winter colds and the flu. Make sure you teach your children the proper way to sneeze, cough, blow their nose, wash their hands, and discourage eye and nose touching. For more information and for proper technique advice, visit this link provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Bundle Up
Before you and your children leave the house, make sure you check the weather forecasts and are dressed accordingly. The last thing you want in the winter time is to be unprepared for bad weather, so make sure you bundle up in winter months and stay warm! Doing so may help prevent you and your family from falling ill.
4. Eat Well & Stay Hydrated
Keeping a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water is a great way to fight off the flu and other illnesses. Ensure that you and your family are eating lots of fruits and vegetables, which are naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants and can help boost immune systems. Staying hydrated is also extremely important to help your body fight off viruses, so make sure everyone in your family is getting the recommended daily amount of water.
5. Sleep!
Sleep is one of the best preventative measures in fighting off the flu and other winter sicknesses. Sleep ultimately boosts your immune system and helps stop the flu and a cold in its tracks. Make sure you and your child are getting the recommended hours of sleep per night. If your child has been around someone who is sick, make sure you set an earlier bedtime.
Following these tips and implementing them in your family’s daily life will help prevent the dreaded flu and winter cold from attacking your household. If you have any other questions or would like more advice, feel free to contact us or set up an appointment.
