Can You Ward Off Your Child's Sniffles? |  |
Sniffles, then sneezes, followed by fevers and restless nights—your child officially has the flu. Schools crawl with viruses, and your child will be carrying them home. But don't let your entire family fall victim to the flu; use these ideas to help keep your child's sniffles at bay and protect your family's health.
Become the hand-washing police.
Limit your under-the-weather child's germ-spreading by enforcing a strict hand-washing policy. Warm water and soap work best. Whenever your daughter sniffles, sneezes, coughs, blows her nose, or goes to the bathroom, make sure she knows that washing up can help protect her family. You, your spouse, and all other family members also need to wash your hands carefully, especially before meals and after bathroom use.
Enforce an early "lights-out" and make water the drink of choice.
During sleep, the immune system goes to work to restore your body and protect it from illness. A lack of sleep works against your immune system, making it vulnerable to sickness. Water flushes your body of potential viruses and hydrates your body to boost your immune system's functions. Make certain your family members are each drinking eight large glasses or more daily.
Break out the cleaning crew.
Wiping down shared surfaces such as computer keyboards, phones, countertops, and TV remotes with antibacterial wipes can kill flu germs. Keep containers of wipes around your home and remind your family to "clean it before you use it." Also, replace your sniffling daughter's toothbrush with a fresh new toothbrush once her illness has passed, to eliminate germs that can remain on her old toothbrush.
Love 'em and let 'em be.
Your sniffling son needs his rest to help recover from the flu. Encourage him to go to bed early and tell your family it's best to give him space. This might help shorten the length of the illness and even limit your family's (and your own) exposure. Let him know how special he is by serving his meals in his bedroom.
Get flu shots for family members with special needs.
Flu shots can be beneficial for those with weak immune systems, including very young children and the elderly. Check with your doctor if you think one of your family members might be a candidate.
