Winter brings snow, holidays, and unfortunately, flu season. Cases of flu tend to spike between the beginning of December and can last as late as May. This season is predicted to be especially tough. Get ahead by preparing your family and yourself for the flu season.
#1 Wash hands well and often
One of the best ways to fight germs is to wash your hands frequently. Children often need reminding to wash and for how long. It’s especially important for children to wash often since they are more prone to touching their faces.
#2 Get plenty of sleep
Sleep is crucial for keeping illness at bay because it’s an immune system booster. Holiday breaks and less sun can throw off our bodies’ sleep cycles. Make an effort to keep your family’s sleep schedules consistent during flu season.
#3 Cough or sneeze into a tissue or sleeve, not your hands
This limits the spread of viruses. Touching surfaces allows others around you to come into contact with germs. Even though you and your family may feel fine, people can carry and spread viruses without feeling sick themselves.
#4 Drink plenty of water
Being dehydrated does the opposite of helping your body fight off viruses. Keeping your immune system up and functioning means staying hydrated. Provide children with a glass of water while they’re working on homework or doing an activity. Naturally, they will reach for it. This trick works well on adults too!
#5 Get the flu vaccine
Exposing your body to the weakened virus helps your body fight the virus at full strength when you come into contact with it. plus, getting a flu vaccine can be quick and easy.
#6 Eat well
Making sure you’re continuing to eat wholesome foods helps boost the immune system. Here are some foods and ingredients that are high in Vitamin C.
- Oranges
- Chicken
- Tangerines
- Red bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Turkey
- Spinach
- Yogurt
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Kiwi
#7 Keep distance from those who are sick
If you notice people around you coughing and sneezing a lot, do what you can to keep your distance. The flu and other winter illnesses like the common cold can be transmitted through the air. Also, keep your children home from school if they aren’t feeling well. And encourage them to try and keep their distance from classmates who are under the weather.
#8 Exercise
Winter is a difficult month for exercising with the unpredictable weather. However, exercise is another way to improve your immune system. Find some fun activities to do with your kids like going for a walk or hosting a dance party in the living room.
Getting the flu can be a real bummer, especially during the holiday season. Stay healthy and be proactive to best avoid catching the flu and other prominent illness during the winter months.
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Getting Sleep Schedules Back on Track
A good night’s sleep is essential for mood and focus. And also for forming and maintaining memories- which has a huge impact on success at school.
Staying Healthy During the Holidays
Staying healthy during the holidays can be tough. It’s the season of great food, flu, cold weather, and darker days and it can be more difficult to make good choices.
Sources: Nemours Kids Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthline