Flu season, we all shudder at the mere mention of this time. As a parent, you should equip your child to combat the flu efficiently. The average school classroom serves as a Petri dish of germs and illness. So, before you send your little one off to learn, here are a few ways to protect them:
Vaccinate
Flu shots for children are one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu. If you are wondering what age you should start the flu vaccine for your infant, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone aged six months or older should receive the flu vaccine. Even if illness forms, a flu shot for children will still shorten the duration of symptoms, keeping suffering to a minimum.
Combat the Spread of Germs
Germs are often spread through coughs and sneezes, so it’s a good idea to show teach your child to cough and sneeze in their elbow, away from other people. You should also consider their peers when contemplating whether to send your child to school if they’re showing some signs of sickness. If your child shows signs of illness, avoid any germ spreading opportunities and “quarantine” your child until symptoms stop to prevent them from getting sicker and potentially getting the flu or spreading it to someone else.
Be a Clean Freak
Keep everyone’s hands and shared surfaces clean. Many kids either completely avoid washing their hands, unless prompted by an adult, or they “rinse” their hands without soap. If your child isn’t properly washing their hands, you should monitor their handwashing as much as you can until they do it thoroughly. Teaching your child good hand washing habits is a must to prevent sickness. They should use soap and water, develop a good lather and rinse for 20 seconds.
Stay Healthy
Sometimes some of the best solutions involve preventative care. Proper nutrition, exercise and sleep can boost even the weakest immune systems. Practice this balance throughout the year to have a smoother flu season.
Take Note of Symptoms Immediately
At the initial sign of symptoms, build a line of defense with a combination of home and over-the-counter remedies. Motrin and Advil have proven effective against fevers with little side effects. Consider medicated chest rub to combat cough and chest congestion. If these potential solutions prove to be ineffective, or you believe your child has the flu, be sure to make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician.
At Pediatric Partners, not only do we offer flu shots for your older children, but flu shots for infants, as well. Our Flu Shot Clinic is available to ensure your child stays healthy through flu season!
We now have three locations to better serve our patients. The Evans office is located at 411 Town Park Blvd., the downtown Augusta office is located at 1303 D’Antignac Street, Suite 2600, and the new Grovetown office is located at 5135 Wrightsboro Road. For more information about Pediatric Partners, please feel free to call the office at 706-854-2500, visit pedpartners.com, or follow the Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook page.