| Help for Parents Gearing Up for Flu Season |
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The flu season has always been a bit stressful for everyone, especially parents. Adults just have to worry about missing a few days of work when they get the flu, but parents of small children have to worry about symptoms that their little ones may not be able to describe to them or the doctor. Also, children can be more susceptible to the flu, because their immune systems aren't as strong as many adults are. Another reason that kids are more susceptible to the flu is that they are exposed to the flu virus more because it seems to spread a lot faster among children, particularly the kids who are in school! I'm sure many parents have groaned at the news that their child's best friend at school went home sick that day with the flu... This year's flu season promises to be more stressful than any other flu season has been from a long time though, because of the swine flu, or H1N1 virus, as it is becoming well known to the public. It is not just the parents who are worried too; people of all ages around the world will be more anxious about this serious flu strain this winter, especially with doctors predicting that we may be on edge of another swine flu pandemic! Just like the regular flu, there are ways to prevent the swine flu though, and there are things that you as parents can do to help protect your child. Surprisingly, one of the things that has recently come out in the news is that those who had a regular flu shot last year are actually more at risk for getting the H1N1 virus this year than those who avoided the flu shot! Just when you thought the health care system was working well for flu prevention, something like this comes out and shocks us. However there are other things besides the flu shot or even the more specific swine flu vaccine that will help to protect your children from the virus. The first thing you need to do as a family is talk about the importance of hand washing. Germs, bacteria and viruses get passed on through the people that have them giving them to other people through touching, coughing, sneezing, and even common household objects, like door handles and phones. Wash your hands regularly and make sure your kids are doing the same. You can also invest in a package of antibacterial wipes and make it a part of your weekly or daily routine to wipe down those common household objects. Another thing you can do for your family is to keep a closer eye on their friends and who they spend their time with, particularly at school. If anyone seems sick, especially with flu-like symptoms, tell your child to keep his or her distance, while still remaining friendly of course! You can also let your children's teachers know about your concerns and ask him or her to keep you updated about sickness in the classroom. |
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