Winter is quickly approaching, and with it, the cold and flu season. While some cases can be mild and last 24 hours or less, cold and flu can be severe and can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. Illness can be expensive, both in the time lost from school and work, but also in bills that result from extra medication and doctor's appointments.
To keep your family free of germs that cause cold and flu viruses, encourage family members to do the following:
1. Carry hand sanitizer with you wherever you go.
Hand sanitizer has become readily available and is made to attach to book bags, purses, and car compartments. Encourage your family to keep a small bottle available for times when hand washing is not available.
2. Use the handy wipes provided for shopping carts.
One of the germiest places you touch is a shopping cart. Consider all of the hands that have touched one cart within a 24-hour period. Before your infant or toddler bends down and chews on the handle bar, wipe it down with one of the handy wipes provided. Most stores now provide wipes near the front of the door where the carts are placed.
3. Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces.
Disinfect areas of your home where germs can easily migrate. Clean bathroom counters and sink handles, and don't forget light switches and door handles. Products such as Lysol kill almost 100 percent of germs and take only a few seconds to apply. While disinfecting, don't forget the steering wheel and door handles of your vehicles, which often get overlooked but are often a breeding ground for germs.
4. Get a flu shot.
Encourage all members of your family to get a flu shot, especially if they attend school or work in a health care environment.
5. Cover mouth and nose with elbows when sneezing or coughing.
6. Get enough rest.
Immune systems can become run down when bodies aren't properly rested. During the winter season, encourage your family to get as much rest as possible. Bodies that are rested are less prone to illness.
7. Wash hands regularly.
One of the best defenses for cold and flu remains washing your hands. Encourage all family members to wash their hands as often as possible, especially before eating. Make sure soap is readily available and inform children to scrub for at least 20 seconds.
Encourage your family to avoid the flu bug this season. While colds and flu may not be avoided entirely, you can discourage them teaching your family to disinfect their hands and home, getting the necessary rest, and preventing the spread of those pesky flu germs.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Lysol blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click http://lysolcoldandflu.socialmoms.com/about
Contact
Add as Friend
Write
Zone Rating: 50
Comments (1 to 1 of 1)