It’s hard to believe that it is flu season again! After succumbing to last year’s nasty flu virus, I am determined to avoid it at all costs this year! I’ve given a lot of thought on what to do to be sure I’m staying healthy during flu season.
One thing you can do, is get a flu shot. While the flu shot may not cover every strain of the virus that is on the move, you’ll be better protected than someone who hasn’t received the shot. Last year, I didn’t get a shot, instead I got the flu.
Another easy thing is to wash your hands. If you have small children, encourage them to wash their hands as well. Frequent hand washing is a good habit to practice all year, but particularly important during cold and flu season. Have your child practice the alphabet or sing the Happy Birthday song twice while they’re scrubbing their hands.
Trap the germs! Germs are inevitable. We can’t hide from them, but we can do our best to trap them. When you sneeze, use a tissue. If you cough, do so into the crook of your arm.
During flu season, I encourage my son to change his clothes immediately after coming home from school. Our pediatrician mentioned that germs can linger on clothing, by changing his clothes we’re preventing the spread of germs. While it does increase the amount of laundry, I’d rather do an extra load each month than have my son be sick with the flu.
The graphic below shows that children are two to three times more likely to contract the flu virus than an adult. Why? Because a child’s immune system isn’t as strong as an adults.
You can find a wide variety of information in this pamphlet about preventing the flu virus from spreading.
What tips do you have for staying healthy during flu season?
I like the ABC’s of flu prevention. I didn’t know germs could linger that long on clothes so we’ll definitely think about changing after germy situations. Thankfully we all have our shots this year! I hope you’re able to avoid the flu this season.
This year I have not been good on taking any vitamins. But I have not been that sick this fall or winter yet, so I guess that is why:) Have not been feeling so tired eather cause tired I can be under the datk seasons, but this year have been pretty good:)
I did/do all those things, but I wish that sometimes these charts also encouraged people to eay and exercise to keep their bodies healthy so they were even more prepared to fight germs,
A well-balanced diet and an active lifestyle certainly do prepare you to fight the nasty germs!
These are some great tips! One thing I never considered was changing my son out of his school clothes when we get home from preschool.
I like the idea of having your son change his clothes when he gets home. I agree, I’d rather do a bit more laundry than watch a loved one be ill (and parents always get it next once it’s in the house!)
Laundry isn’t fun, but it’s beats a sick kid…or a sick husband!
Great tips! I have yet to get my flu shot this year – I’ve got to do that!
Good tips! I agree though…wish they’d also mention eating healthy and exercising…but I suppose that’s less prevention and more treatment (since it’s building up your immunity to fight off germs if you do “catch” them).