Stay safe and stay healthy this fall season. Here are some tips to help protect your kiddos against germs this upcoming flu season:
Happy Birthday Hands
Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. It is important to wash your hands before a meal, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. To make hand washing fun for kids have them hum the happy birthday song beginning to end twice before drying their hands with a clean towel. Singing the song gives kiddos plenty of time to lather up the soap and scrub their hands to avoid unwanted germs.
Prevent the Spread
It is important to teach your children to sneeze and cough into their elbow instead of their hands. With viruses, like the flu and COVID-19, it is also important to tell your children to avoid touching their face as these illnesses are quickly spread through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
With mask ordinances still being implemented across many states, make sure to grab your mask when you leave the house. We would also like to remind families that individuals over the age of 5 that qualify for exemption from the state mandate do not have to wear one.
Sanitize Surfaces
Keep frequently touched surfaces clean with disinfectant wipes to prevent the spreading of germs. Clean doorknobs, countertops, light switches, toys, and electronics regularly. You can even recruit your kiddos to help around the house.
Stay Healthy
Building healthy bodies is just as important as keeping a clean environment. Feed your kids plenty of fruits and vegetables, keep them active, and make sure they get an appropriate amount of sleep each night.
Identify Signs of Illness
Staying up to date on symptoms is crucial for being able to identify illness. The flu and COVID-19 can share similar symptoms, but one symptom that distinguishes COVID-19 from the flu is a change in or loss of taste and smell. Other symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
Take Care of Yourself
As a parent, when you take care of yourself you are also taking care of those around you. Minimize stress, stay active, and get a good night’s rest. Do what you can to protect yourself to be able to take care of your children during flu season.
Reference:
https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/news-room/blog/2020/08/covid-19-vs-the-flu