Avoiding the Flu Isn’t.
Your children may forget to bring home their homework, but bringing home the flu is a no-brainer. The flu can be serious — even for people who are normally healthy. For young children, it could be dangerous.
How the Flu Spreads and Symptoms
The flu germs can spread when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Someone also might get the flu by touching something that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose. Anyone who gets the flu may be able to spread it to others, so it is important to take steps to prevent the flu.
How to Protect Your Family From the Flu
You can help protect your child from the flu by getting a flu vaccine for yourself and your child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine. It’s important for young children and children with long-term health conditions to get vaccinated too.
Other than getting the flu vaccine, you can help your child avoid the flu by –
- Staying away from people who are sick
- Keeping your child home for at least 24 hours after his / her fever is gone
- Covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Washing hands often with soap and water
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth to help prevent the spread of germs
- Cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces and objects
These tips are a good way to help lower your chances and your child’s chances of getting sick. A flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your child from getting the flu.
Symptoms of the flu to watch out for include –
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Body Aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Sometimes children may also have vomiting and diarrhea
Source: cdc.gov/flu.
