Get Your Child Vaccinated
Every year, an astounding 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized for flu complications. During the 2013-2014 flu season, more than 105 children in 30 states succumbed to flu complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to protect your kids from the three most common influenza strains is to have them (and yourself!) vaccinated at the start of flu season. Even kids as young as 6 months qualify for the vaccine.
If your kids kick and scream at the sight of a needle, there’s good news. Starting in the 2014-2015 flu season, the CDC recommends the nasal vaccine for all kids 2 through 8 years of age. Some kids will require two doses, so have your children vaccinated as soon as the mist becomes available.
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
While there’s no need to be a “germaphobe,” it’s important to have youngsters wash their hands often during flu season, especially when they’re around other kids. A general rule of thumb that will go a long way with children: Teach them to wash up with soap for as long as it takes them to sing the "Happy Birthday" song two times, then rinse thoroughly. Remind older kids to wash up after coughing, sneezing or blowing their noses, and help your little ones do so.
If you’re in a situation where germs congregate and washing up isn’t possible, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best thing. (When using hand sanitizer with really little ones, make sure to rub it in until it’s dry to avoid having them ingest any alcohol the next time they put their hands in their mouths.)
On the subject of cleanliness, it’s important to disinfect objects with which your youngster frequently comes into contact. The flu virus can live up to eight hours, so it’s vital to remove germs from toys, doorknobs, TV remote controls and other germ hotspots.
Stay Away from Sick People
Your child is much more likely to become infected if he or she is in constant contact with other unwell people. While it’s not possible to keep your kids out of school or daycare, try to keep them from coming into contact with large crowds, especially if influenza is hitting your community hard. These include movie theaters, inside playgrounds, malls and gym daycares.
Get Plenty of Sleep
According to many pediatricians, sleep deprivation nearly doubles the risk of whether or not your child will catch a bug. The average baby needs about 14 hours of sleep a day; toddlers and kids up to age 6 need 11-13 hours; 7- to 12-year-olds should average 10 to 11; and those 13-18 need 8 to 9 hours.
Not getting enough rest can overwork the immune system and may leave it less than functional, putting children at an added risk. This can easily allow a virus to take hold.
Feed Them Immunity-Boosting Foods
For an immune-boosting, flu-fighting diet, well-known pediatrician and author Dr. William Sears recommends feeding your kids superfoods that are chock-full of phytonutrients, which include the most colorful fruits and veggies you can find. His other favorite flu-busting food is omega-3-rich wild salmon. Add probiotic-rich yogurt, garlic-infused chicken noodle soup and green tea to complete a healthy food plan. If you have a picky eater who turns up a nose at anything healthy, a daily multivitamin can ensure he or she receives proper nutrients.
Humidify Your Home
The latest scientific evidence states that the flu virus thrives in a low-humidity household. According to a Harvard School of Public Health study, the optimal humidity of your home is 40 to 60 percent, which can decrease the likelihood of the flu virus surviving by as much as 30 percent.
While there are no guarantees, it definitely helps to put your best foot forward and put these tried-and-true flu-fighting tips into action. Remember, the first step is to teach your children wellness.