You already know how miserable your child will be when he or she comes down with the flu, so why not try and prevent it from happening in the first place? Even though the flu virus is more prominent during certain times of the year, like winter, you should take precautions year round when it comes to your family’s health and happiness. They say that prevention is better than curing, so if you pay close attention to your children and take all the necessary measures needed, you will be on the right path to influenza prevention.
Vaccination
You can start the process of prevention by getting your child the proper vaccinations. If your child is older than six months, it is advised by the CDC that you get them their flu vaccine. It is also recommended that any adults in your household get vaccinated to prevent the possibility of spreading the virus from adult to child. Vaccination might sounds like a no-brainer to most, but many still put off this simple procedure. For example, parents with children who have egg allergies are sometimes hesitant to vaccinate their children considering that most flu vaccines contain egg protein. In most cases, the egg protein found in the flu vaccine is not sufficient enough to stimulate an allergic reaction. Vaccines free of egg protein have been created for those prone to allergies. Still, it is always best to consult with your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Practice Sanitation.
In addition to having your child vaccinated, you should always encourage your child to practice good sanitary measures. These practices include covering the mouth when \r\ncoughing and sneezing, washing hands at regular intervals, and refraining from sharing beverages and other items that could act as a passageway for germs. Not only will these acts help prevent the spread of the flu, but they will also prevent the spread of germs that could cause other illnesses.
Monitor Outside Influences
Since it is not possible to be around your child at all times, it is wise to inquire with your child’s school or daycare to see what measures they have in place in the event of a flu outbreak. Find out if vaccinations are offered on site, and ask if they perform a routine cleaning or disinfection of shared objects and play spaces. Children are less cautious about the things they touch, so ensuring that where they touch is clean is a good idea. Also, ensure that the school has an adequate supply of soap, tissues, paper towels, disposable wipes and alcohol based hand rubs on site. Ask how those with the flu, both staff and children, are dealt with and how they will be cared for until they are sent home.
By taking these everyday preventative measures, you will help decrease the germs that can lead to influenza. You may not always be able to fight it, so on the off chance that the flu breaks through these barriers, see a doctor and treat the symptoms as soon as you can to fight off the illness and prevent it from spreading.
