How To Protect your Kids from the Flu

Everyone gets sick. Preventing it from happening is key. Kids usually get sick more often when they are in school or daycare because there is really no way to monitor the spread of germs. That's why it is important to educate, teach and train your own kids on how to protect themselves against those pesky little germs.

Theses are my 5 tips on how to protect your kids from the flu:

1. Proper hand washing: Washing hands properly is important in preventing the spread of germs. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. To promote hand washing by making it fun by singing a song. It works in my house.

2. Sneeze and cough etiquette: Flu germs can spread up to 6 feet through coughs and sneeze. Kids should be taught to sneeze or cough in their sleeves. If they do cough or sneeze into a tissue, remind them to throw it away and immediately wash their hands.

3. Avoid sharing food or drinks: Kids should be taught to avoid sharing such utensils, cups and bottles in addition to food and drinks.

4. Keep surfaces clean: Flu viruses can live up to 8 hours on surfaces. Disinfect toys, handles, counters, tables, phones, TV remotes, etc. to remove germs.

5. Eat immune boosting foods: Give you kids foods that have immune boosting powers like yogurt help to keep them strong and help avoid colds during flu season. Offer your child a well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, milk and water.

During flu season it is important to provide your child with good nutrition, moderate exercise and adequate rest to help optimize their immune systems. Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and encourage at least one hour of physical activity a day.

Avoiding malls and fast food restaurants are a way to avoid unwanted germs since these are their favorite places to hang out. If you need to get out, bundle up your little ones and just brave the outdoors for a short period of time.

Good luck and stay healthy!

SSMom