Unlike last year and the year before, when you couldn't turn on a TV without hearing about H1N1, this year's talk surrounding the flu has been decidedly quieter. At least, in America.
Still, flu season is in full swing (it most commonly occurs in
the winter and early spring), and parents are urged to do as much
as they can to make sure their children are protected from any of
the several strains of influenza currently being spread.
While the flu typically causes mild symptoms -- runny nose, head
and body aches, tiredness, and cough -- it can be severe enough to
cause hospitalization or even death.
Cincinnati Children’s doctors and the American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends, along with getting vaccinated, the
following tips on how to stop the spread of flu germs:
Cough and sneeze into a tissue
If you don’t have time to get a tissue, bend your arm and
sneeze or cough into it. Teach your children to do the same.
Use tissues for wiping runny noses and catching sneezes. Throw the
tissues in the trash after each use. Wear a mask if you are
coughing or sneezing frequently.
Be careful with kisses
Avoid kissing your child on or around the mouth or face when either
of you are ill.
Wash your hands...
Make sure everyone washes their hands before and after coming into
close contact with someone with the flu. Everyone should wash their
hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds (about as
long as one verse of Happy Birthday). You may also use a waterless
hand cleaner in addition to hand washing or if soap and water are
not available.
And the dishes...
Same goes for eating utensils. Wash dishes, forks, cups and spoons
in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher.
And the towels...
Change cloth towels (body, hand, dish) often and wash them in hot
water.
No sharing
Don’t let children share pacifiers, cups, spoons, forks,
washcloths, or towels. Never share toothbrushes.
Disinfect
Wipe all surfaces, including toys, with a disinfectant or soap and
hot water. Viruses can live for more than 30 minutes on doorknobs,
toilet handles, countertops, and even toys.
Avoid secondhand smoke
Keep children, particularly infants, away from secondhand tobacco
smoke. Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke have an increased
risk for respiratory illness.
