Reduce the Risks of Cold and Flu Bugs
It’s cold and flu season! While there’s no protection against germs at school or the workplace, there are ways to reduce the risks.
Your child might have a cold if he or she has a stuffy, runny nose, a sore throat, a hacking cough or sneezes frequently. The flu spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Signs of the flu include fatigue and weakness, a high fever, severe aches and pains, headache and a cough.
To help prevent these bad bugs, remind your little ones – and yourself – to:
- Wash hands often to keep from spreading germs.
- Place travel-size hand sanitizer in their backpacks.
- Postpone play dates with sick kids.
- Bundle up to stay warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing.
- Consider getting your child a flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends yearly flu shots for all children ages 6 months and older. The best time to get the shot is October or November, however it’s not too late to get it now!
