Advertisement
There is no getting around the cough, cold, fever, chills, headache, vomiting, never-can-rest season. Unfortunately, there is no cure and, to make things worse, there are limited medications that can help alleviate symptoms. Parents must keep in mind recent changes in recommendations regarding over-the-counter cough and cold medications for children younger than 6. So given the options of preventing illness or gagging and bearing it, prevention sounds better.
Cold and flu viruses usually spread through droplets coughed or sneezed out of an infected person that land in the nose or mouth of an unsuspecting bystander. These droplets can travel far and wide, and can even live on doorknobs or other surfaces for up to two hours. Because kids often sneeze or cough without covering their mouths, or cover their mouths with hands and then wipe them elsewhere, kids are accomplished germ spreaders.
To help prevent germs from hitchhiking from child to child, teach your kids to wash hands with soap often. Stress the importance of rubbing hands together when washing, because friction helps break up the cold germs. Between washings, remind kids to keep hands away from faces. The nose, eyes and mouth are ports of call for germs looking for a little adventure.
Eat healthly and load up on phytochemicals. These are foods loaded with vitamins and minerals that help keep the immune system strong. Examples, surprise surprise, are fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish containing omega-3 fatty acids and garlic, ginger and onions. The garlic and onions not only will keep ill people from heading your way but will actually stimulate the immune system.
Try to avoid large crowds, and when shopping, resist sampling foods that are left out and exposed to cough droplets.
To prevent germs from spreading around the house, teach kids to cough into the crook of their elbow or into disposable tissues. Then resist the habit of cleaning up used tissues and napkins, wads of toilet paper and slimy sleeves. Carry your own pen so you don’t need to borrow one from someone who has germy hands. Regularly sanitize your phone, computer keyboard and door handles, and go ahead and bleach your whole house while you’re at it. Be sure your kids drink lots of fluids and get enough rest.
It is important to keep sick kids out of school or activities. Sending sick kids to school simply spreads illness and exposes your ill child to more germs.
Getting the flu vaccine is a good idea. Though it is not a guarantee against influenza, it may lessen the duration and degree of illness should you get it.
This year, reduce the chances of coming down with the crud. Teach your kids the healthy habits of proper hygiene, sleep and good nutrition.
When they remember to use those tissues and wash their hands, we can feel good knowing there’s nothing else up their sleeves.
