The flu is often characterized by such symptoms as chills, fever, dry mouth, sore throat, fatigue, nasal congestion, diarrhea, dry cough, headache, and vomiting. Influenza can also lead to complications that can be detrimental to children such as pneumonia, and acute bronchitis.
While there is no way to guarantee that youngsters won’t come down with the flu, there are a few preventive measures parents can take to reduce their kids' risk of getting influenza.
Take Children to Get a Flu Shot
Getting children to the doctor to get a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect them against Influenza -- especially if they're in crowded situations such as schools, or childcare centers; or if they have chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or weakened immune systems due to diseases like HIV/AIDS or cancer.
Teach Children to Wash Their Hands Frequently
Have your children practice frequent hand-washing at home, and also, encourage them to do it while they're at school, especially before lunchtime. Hands should be rubbed vigorously using soap and warm water for at least 20 second paying close attention to the backs of hands, wrists, between the fingers, and under the fingernails.
If soap and water are not immediately available, children can use hand sanitizer. Keep in mind that hand sanitizers should never be used to replace the practice of hand-washing -- they should only be used if kids don’t have access to soap and water.
Boost Kids’ Immune Systems
Providing children with a nutritionally sound diet; encouraging them to get plenty of physical activity; giving them plenty of water; reducing the amount of stress in their lives; and ensuring they get enough rest are the most effective ways to boost their immune systems and prevent them from getting the flu. Parents can also implement vitamin supplements into older children’s diets (upon doctor's approval) to maximize nutrition.
Other Methods for Flu Prevention in Children
- Encourage children to keep their hands out of their noses, eyes and mouths. Germs are frequently spread in this manner.
- Teach children to sneeze into a tissue, and discard it immediately after each use.
- Keep youngsters out of crowded environments whenever possible.
- Don’t allow sick people around your children.
- Periodically open windows in the home during flu season to allow fresh air to circulate.
Practicing these preventive measures will minimize the chance of kids suffering from the flu.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Accessed 8-01-08
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Accessed 8-01-08
Charlina Stewart - Charlina has dedicated more than a decade of her life making a positive difference in the lives of children. During her time as an early ...
