Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
January begins peak season for influenza, when flu rates reach their highest over the next weeks. If you have a child in school, or are a teacher, remember these protective measures:
- Encourage frequent, thorough handwashing. Flu viruses survive on common surfaces, and can be transmitted by touching them and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Keeping surfaces clean where children gather can help as well. More about effective handwashing »
- Teach your kids to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow to protect others.
- Keep your kids home if they are sick. This is not only flu season, but the season for colds and common respiratory illnesses as well which are easily spread.
- If your child shows symptoms that may be flu, especially a high fever and body aches, see a doctor. If antiviral medications are prescribed, make sure they are taken. These can make illness milder, and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications, especially if you take them as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
- Get them and yourself a flu shot. If your child is well, vaccination against seasonal flu can still provide protection for the rest of the flu season and make illness less severe if your child does become sick.
