Swine Flu and Keeping your Child Healthy

Prevention

With the H1N1 (swine flu) and the normal flu virus already spreading rapidly in schools, keep in mind some simple measures to reduce the risk of catching the flu:

 

a. The number one piece of advice from every health professional is to make it a habit with you and your children to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

 

b. Viruses need a way into the body, so try to resist touching your face when it is not necessary, especially your eyes and nose which are the number one pathways for germs to sneak inside the body.

 

c. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (or Listerine). This kind of gargling helps to prevent any type of infection from spreading.

 

d. Clean your nostrils once a day with warm salt water or a saline nasal spray (which is easily available in groceries and pharmacies).  Children could blow their noses once a day, after which you could swab both nostrils with cotton balls or q-tips soaked in salt water.

 

Some of the common symptoms of the flu are:

- Fever

- Cough

- Sore throat

- Headache

- Runny or stuffy nose

- Body aches

- Chills

- Fatigue

In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

If you or your children experience any of these symptoms, have them stay home from school and get them to a doctor as soon as possible.

 

General things you can do to keep your kids (and you) healthy form many colds, etc. include:

 

1. Making sure that your child to gets the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep each night to help boost her immune system. Having a set bedtime for your child will also help him keep a balanced routine. Bedtime stories are a good way to get your child excited about going to bed!

 

2. Eating the right foods, such as those loaded with Vitamin C, which is the vitamin that is most effective at helping to prevent sickness because of its ability to build up the immune system. Some great sources of vitamin C are oranges, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, cantaloupe and strawberries. As an added bonus, all these fruits will also help boost their energy level.

 

3. Keeping your child on a good diet.  In addition, too much caffeine and sugar can cause developmental problems.  However, don’t keep your child on too strict of a diet.  You want them to learn life lessons and not circumvent your rules whenever they aren’t at home!  “Everything in moderation” may help keep your child from craving unhealthy foods (and eating them when you aren’t there).

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