Flu Prevention Tips
Learn expert tips on how to prevent you and your family from getting the flu during cold and flu season.
Wash hands often—and for longer than you think
We’ve all heard it a million times: wash your hands before you eat! But most of us probably aren’t washing often or long enough. Tell the kids it’s time to wash up every time they’re about to eat and after they’ve used the restroom but also when they come in the house from outside.
And a quick rinse won’t do. “Soap and warm water are very effective if 20 to 30 seconds of sudsing are accomplished,” explains Dr. Levenstein. “Cleansing wipes, if rubbed vigorously on skin for 20 to 30 seconds, can accomplish the same thing.” How do you get kids to wash for that long? Encourage school-aged children to sing at least one stanza of their favorite song says Dr. Levenstein.
Avoid touching public surfaces
Germs can live on surfaces for up to a couple of hours, says Dr. Levenstein. So use caution—and sanitizing wipes—for shopping cart handles and other highly trafficked areas. “Opening doors with the push of a hip rather than a bare hand can prevent passage of others’ germs,” she says. “Trash overflowing with soiled tissue is another culprit; kids dutifully disposing of their own trash may touch a soiled tissue inadvertently and invite a little virus over to play. So hand washing after any public trash contact is a must.”
Stick to a healthy routine at home
Germs might be everywhere but your home is one place where a few easy habits can make a healthy difference. Dr. Levenstein recommends this healthy routine for the whole family:
1) Wash your hands when you walk in the door.
2) Wash hands between caring for, diapering and even feeding the kids.
3) Don’t allow sharing of cups, bottles or pacifiers. Parents should not use their own mouths to hold pacifiers and other cups while helping kids.
4) Get plenty of sleep.
5) Eat healthy meals with tons of healthy fluids.
6) Hang out with healthy children and adults. Don’t invite illness into your home where you can control the environment.
Wipe down surfaces at home
Next to hand washing, wiping down commonly used surfaces—especially those that have been sneezed or coughed on by a sick member of the household—is the easiest way to keep the rest of your family healthy. Dr. Levenstein recommends a disinfectant spray or wipes with bleach.
One reason flu becomes so catchy in during the cold months is the sheer amount of time we spend indoors where air doesn’t circulate as well as it does outside. That’s why Dr. Levenstein suggests taking it outside as often as possible. “Outdoor activities are preferable to enclosed spaces during the winter,” she explains. “There are less contaminated surfaces to touch, re-breathing germy air is less likely, and exercise, of course, is good for all.”
Eat foods packed with vitamin C
It’s not a new idea but it’s still a good one. Eat right and your body will thank you by staying healthy! “Foods that occur in nature are preferable,” says Dr. Levenstein. “Healthy meals are essential for health and well being. Packaged foods, fast foods, and junk foods don’t promote health.” She also recommends
foods rich in vitamin C plus daily probiotics for young children. According to recent studies in Europe, they may help significantly reduce upper respiratory infections.
Eat colorful meals and consider vitamin D or B supplements
“If children eat a well-balanced diet and their plates are loaded with color (fruits and veggies from a broad variety of produce) vitamins are not necessary,” advises Dr. Levenstein. But if a child doesn’t eat or drink dairy, ask your pediatrician about vitamin D supplements. This is because milk is usually supplemented with vitamin D and without it a child might not get enough. Along the same lines, vegetarians or vegans may need extra iron or B vitamin supplements depending on the breadth of their diets, says Dr. Levenstein.
Immunize and do it early
A flu shot may not be pleasant but it’s your very best shot at staying healthy says Dr. Levenstein. “This year the CDC recommends that all people aged 6-months and up receive the flu vaccine unless there is an absolute contraindication (allergy to one of the vaccine’s components or history of Guillian Barre Syndrome),” she explains. “With children under 6 months, household members and caregivers should receive flu vaccine to protect the young infant in the household.” And of course, anyone with a high-risk condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc. is especially advised to be immunized.
Flu symptoms and stages: What to watch for
Once someone in your family gets the flu, it’s almost inevitable that the rest of you will come down with it too. Germs travel through the air, kisses and food—all of which are usually shared among family members. So here’s what to watch for. “Typically flu is a one-week illness, followed by another week or two of expected fatigue,” says Dr. Levenstein. “In the early phase a person may feel somewhat ‘off’ for a day or so, then awake with abrupt and often intense headache, cough, body aches, nasal congestion, malaise, fever and fatigue.” After four to seven days the sick family member should start to feel better.
Once someone’s sick: How to keep the rest of the family healthy
If someone in your household gets sick with flu, the best way to protect the rest of your brood is to keep the ill family member in one place, says Dr. Levenstein. Especially if he or she has a fever with lots of wet coughing or sneezing. So, once you’ve made sure your child or spouse has enough liquids and blankets plus books, magazines, and videos to keep him or her company, follow these steps: Ventilate the room well, clean surfaces routinely, and avoid sharing glasses, tissues, or towels. In fact, keep soiled tissues in one trashcan that no one else is using.
How to know if your child is contagious
Eventually your crew will recover but how do you know when you’re ready to get out and about again? “Children should be fever free for at least 24 hours and feeling well before returning to school,” explains Dr. Levenstein. “On average most kids and adults should be confined to home for five days from the onset of flu (and fever free) before returning back to school or work. I have to emphasize that feeling well is important. If you’re still weak or have lots of cough and congestion, we advise staying home until these symptoms resolve.” She also adds that it’s critical that anyone with a fever, diarrhea, or upper respiratory infection stay home.
When to call a doctor
Most flu symptoms subside within a week, followed by fatigue for up to two additional weeks. But there is a time to call a doctor. Dr. Levenstein recommends calling for help immediately if you or a family member has any of the following: uncontrolled vomiting, pain with breathing, loss of urination, extreme dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion/alteration of consciousness, prolonged fever (past four to five days), severe ear or throat pain, or discomfort beyond that expected.
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