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Are you worried about your child’s health this winter season? Want to keep flu and infections at bay? The cold and flu season has officially started and so is the risk of infections. With the onset of winters, maintaining the health of your family is more crucial than ever.

Since flu and influenza are both communicable, the likelihood of contracting one or both of these diseases rises with the cold season. If you are concerned about your family’s health and want to keep these communicable infections away from your doors, follow the below suggested tips:

1. Maintain Hygiene

Although invisible droplets from an uncovered cough or sneeze might carry cold and flu germs through the air, the most common route to contract the cold virus is by contacting an infected surface.

Because children are accustomed to touching things without thinking twice, they need to follow hand washing hygiene and must wash their hands after touching dirty surfaces. Encourage your child to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, especially before meals and after coming home from the outdoors.

2. Avoid Touching The Face

Even though they might not be aware of it, children probably touch their face 10 to 15 times on average. They can contract flu virus by biting on their fingernails, rubbing their eyes, or scratching their nose. Encourage them to use hand sanitizer throughout the day and refrain from touching their face.

3. Get Vaccinated For Flu

It’s imperative that everyone in your family have a flu shot this season, even if your kids are homeschooling. The best defense against the illness is a flu vaccination. Although it’s never too late to be vaccinated, getting your flu shot by November helps guarantee that you’ll be protected throughout the season.

4. Maintain Spotless Surfaces

Over the course of the day, any of your family members who step out of the house may acquires germs, some of which make their way into your home. Maintaining clean surfaces is crucial, even if no one is ill. Using disinfectant wipes and cleaning surfaces helps keep your family healthy and keep the germs at bay.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Lack of sleep might increase the body’s vulnerability to infections. A lot of families are getting used to social isolation and working from home that keeps them away from infected individuals. Maintaining a daily schedule and getting your children

to bed on time allows them to build immunity. Children require 10 to 14 hours of sleep while adults require 7 to 8 hours.

6. Prioritize Nutrition

Ensuring that your family consumes healthy, balanced meals boosts their immune system in addition to encouraging healthy growth and development. Your children and teenagers will receive the essential nutrients their immune systems require to remain robust if they eat a diverse range of nutrient-dense meals. Make sure they get a range of vibrant fruits and vegetables on at least half of their plates to increase their intake of antioxidants that fight infection.

7. Remain Physically Active

People who lead active lifestyles are less likely to have cold and flu as physical activity strengthens the immune system. Through the stimulation of white blood cells that combat illness, exercise aids in immune system regulation. Also, exercise helps in clearing the bacteria from your lungs, which may lower the chance of getting a cold.

8. Avoid Stress & Tension

Stress levels are at an all-time high due to hectic schedules and tough education. Stress can harm a child or teen’s immune system, which is just one of the several ways it can negatively impact their health. Setting aside time for stress-relieving activities like reading a book or listening to calming music is essential. Your family should incorporate stress-relieving activities into their everyday routine to maintain a healthy body.

9. Take Precautions

When you leave the house, wearing a facemask can help lower your risk of getting the flu that can be transmitted by contact with infected surfaces and by droplets released when coughing or sneezing.

10. Maintain Social Distance

Limiting the transmission of cold and flu virus involves keeping a safe distance from persons who are not living in your home. When you leave your home, stay at least six feet away from other people and stay away from highly crowded places.

So, these were some of the effective tips that can protect you or your family from falling ill in the winters. If you are suspecting a viral infection or flu and need guidance to deal with the infection, our family physicians are here to help you fight the flu and achieve good health. Make an online appointment now and get your health condition assessed today.