Avoid the Flu this Winter Season

06 Jan 2014 by Javier Restrepo in Advice, Ego, Health, Health
With temperatures dipping below freezing levels most of us are at danger of catching a cold or the flu. Kinsights Medical Director and pediatrician, Dr. Carol Wilkinson, provides tips to help keep your family healthy this winter:
  • Flu vaccines for the whole family! Most colds, while annoying, are not dangerous. Influenza, the virus that causes the flu, can be life threatening, causing high fevers, cough, and body aches. In some cases they can even cause significant breathing difficulties and require hospitalization, especially with young children and babies. Unlike the viruses that cause the common cold, influenza is preventable with the flu vaccine.
  • Avoid people with colds. During the winter season, viruses are everywhere and frequently passed from person to person. If a grandparent has the sniffles, they shouldn’t be giving kisses to their new grandchild. If your kiddo has a cough, they shouldn’t have play dates with friends. Also avoid sharing cups, food, and utensils.
  • Wash your hands. Regular hand washing is a great way to keep germs at bay.
  • Hand sanitizers are a quick fix. If you can’t get the family to a spot to wash their hands immediately, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and wash with soap and water as soon as possible.  Hand sanitizer should not replace proper hand washing.
  • Stop the spread. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze! Remember, sneezing and coughing into your hands is NOT the way to go. Use a tissue or handkerchief; and if not available, cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve or elbow.
  • Separate the Sick One.  Try to keep your sick family member as contained as possible.  If possible, have them use a separate bathroom and keep them out of the kitchen so they aren’t spreading germs where other family members are most likely to pick up them up.
  • Get good sleep. Fatigue and stress can make colds worse. For school and teenage children that are busy with school, activities, and friends, be extra vigilant that they are getting their zzzzz’s.
  • Good nutrition and fluids. You should be eating healthy all year – and during cold and flu season, it’s especially crucial to eat a balanced diet packed with nutritious foods to help your body ward off viruses.  Also, make sure your family is drinking plenty of fluids this winter.

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THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY

Javier Restrepo
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