Cold and Flu? Not you! Ways to prevent cold and flu during the height of the season.

Hearing that very first cough, sneeze or sniffle can send any parent into the fetal position with a wish to hibernate until spring. While not all illness can be avoided, here are a few tips to protect your family and decrease the chances that any of you will be down and out.

Handwashing: I know this is simple, but approximately 80 percent of infectious diseases are spread by touch (http://www.wWebMD.com/parenting/d2n-stopping-germs-12/stopping-germs). Soap and warm water for 20 seconds will do the trick, or if water is not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer rubbed between your hands for 20 seconds will work equally well.                                                                                                                                                             

Flu vaccine: According to the CDC, in 2013-2014 influenza, otherwise known as flu, took the lives of 108 children in the United States. While that may not seem like a large number, many—if not all—of these deaths could have been avoided if the child had received the flu vaccine. Influenza peaks in February, and it’s not too late to vaccinate yourself and your children if you haven’t already.                                                                                               

Germ etiquette: Not every child will stay home from school or daycare with a runny nose or case of the coughs. Teach your children the warning signs of illness and teach them little ways to decrease their exposure to these kids. For example, do not share drinks or snacks, pencils or other writing utensils. Also remind them to wash their hands after coming into contact with classroom hotspots, such as a drinking fountain or pencil sharpener.                                                                                                                                                                                          

Immunity: Immunity begins at home. Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep. The more run down and tired he is, the more likely he is to catch a bug and become sick. A diet full of fresh fruits, veggies and plenty of protein is another defense that parents can wield. Pack a healthy lunch and snack and encourage kids to drink plenty of water.                                                                                                                                                                                     

Cough and snot: It seems simple enough, but teaching your child to cough into his arm and wipe his nose on a tissue and not his shirtsleeve can go a long way toward prevention and can limit spreading of germs.                                                                       

Children as young as 2 or 3 often can learn these tips, but it takes repetition and time. It is important to not only protect our own children, but the other youngsters around us by keeping our children home with the warning signs of a cold or flu.

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse. She makes her home in Olathe.