Kids Flu Shots and Protecting Your Family From the Flu
How can I protect my family from the seasonal flu and swine flu (H1N1 flu)?
The CDC recommends flu shots for kids and adults alike for preventing the flu. In addition to vaccination, take these steps to avoid spreading or contracting germs:
- Encourage frequent hand washing, using soap and water, for you and your children. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (like you don't already have a bottle in every room, plus your purse, your car, your stroller, your diaper bag ...).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and encourage kids to do the same. We realize this is asking a lot of small children, but touching your eyes, nose and mouth are surefire ways to spread germs.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. We know you want to encourage your kids to share, but sick kids are allowed to be stingy with their germs.
- Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends staying home and keeping children home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone—and they mean gone-gone, not gone with the help of Tylenol or Motrin—except for necessary trips for health care.
- Teach kids to cover their coughs. And cover your own! Instead of sneezing into your hands, sneeze into your sleeve, elbow or a tissue ... and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Stay healthy in other ways. Eat well, get lots of sleep, drink lots of fluid and exercise. Yes, you've heard it before, but that's because it really is important!
For more information on the flu, check out our Flu page, or stay up-to-date by visiting the CDC's flu website.
Answered by
Kimberly Hohman, MPH, CHES
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