Santa isn’t the only one paying a visit to little ones this time of year. A drop in temperature signals a visit from another—and unfortunately, unwelcome—guest: the flu, or in the case of most flu viruses this season, H1N1 flu.
As a pediatrician and mom, I see the flu all too often during this season. Still, in addition to a flu vaccine, there are a number of simple steps children and parents can take to enjoy a germ-free winter.
Get outdoors
Indoor areas that bring together a large number of people are a hotbed for germs. That’s because the flu virus spreads easily when respiratory droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze move through the air to the mouth or nose of others in close proximity. If possible, instead of frequenting areas such as indoor play lots or malls this winter, usher your kids outside to enjoy the fresh air if temperatures aren’t dangerously cold.
Keep hands clean and watch where you sneeze
The flu is easy to catch when a person touches his nose or mouth after touching respiratory droplets on another person or object. Two of the best — and most simple — protective measures you can teach your children are to 1) wash their hands frequently and 2) cough or sneeze into their elbow or shoulder if they don’t have a tissue. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and clean, warm running water for 20 seconds. I also suggest keeping non-alcohol cleansing wipes, such as MD Moms Cleansing Towelettes Travel Pouch, on your child’s person at all times. When soap and water aren’t available, this is a great alternative to alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as their alcohol component can become a safety concern for babies and children who often put their hands in their mouths.
Stay healthy for your kids
As parents, it’s our job to prevent any germs that we come across from infecting our children. This means doing our best to refrain from coming into close contact with those who are sick. Remember that if we get sick, chances are we’ll get your children sick, too.
Sterilize surfaces
It’s important not only to keep your hands clean, but to also keep objects, telephones, computer keyboards/mice and furniture clean—both inside and outside the home. Use disinfectant furniture wipes around surfaces such as door knobs and shopping carts. A combination detergent to clean and disinfectant to kill germs can be used on surfaces that aren’t visibly dirty. When a surface is visibly dirty, use a soap or detergent, rinse with water and then use disinfectant.
Keep sick children at home
If your child does get sick, keep her at home and avoid traveling until she’s feeling better—typically until 24 hours after her fever is gone. This is especially important, as young children may be contagious for longer periods of time. Also, allow her to rest in a room away from the main areas of the house so that you don’t put your family at risk for catching her bug. In addition to rest, antiviral drugs can be used to treat the seasonal or H1N1 flu.
About Dr. JJ Levenstein
Dr. JJ Levenstein is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics with a thriving private pediatric practice in Encino, Calif. She serves on the clinical staff of two hospitals and has been consistently voted one of the Best Doctors in America® from 2003 through 2010. Drawing from her experience as a pediatrician and mom, Dr. Levenstein serves as president and co-founder of MD Moms, makers of Baby Silk, the first personal care line for babies developed by pediatrician moms.
Dr. JJ Levenstein, M.D., FAAP, president and co-founder of MD Moms