We are surrounded by germs everywhere we go, and although everyone is susceptible to catching colds and the flu, children are particularly vulnerable. Chances are pretty high that most kids will get a runny nose or cough at some point during the cold and flu season. However, there are many important steps you can take to keep the number of illnesses to a minimum.

The flu affects almost one in five Americans in its most prevalent years, and it causes hundreds of thousands of hospital visits each year. It’s difficult to know where to begin when it comes to fighting the spread of germs, especially in school-aged children. While there are certain steps to take immediately before and during this time of year, there are other common sense ideas to teach your children to practice year-round. These include making sure they get plenty of sleep and physical activity, drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and eat a variety of healthy foods. In addition, you may want to consider the following suggestions.

Flu Vaccine

Get a flu shot for both your child and yourself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that healthy children age 6 months through 5 years, people who live with them, and out-of-home caregivers (nannies, daycare providers, etc.) should get a flu vaccine. The flu shot is not approved for children less than 6 months. According to the CDC, it is estimated that each year in the U.S. there are more than 20,000 children less than 5 years old hospitalized due to flu. Although the best time to get vaccinated is October or November, flu season runs from November through April, so getting the vaccine in December or later still offers protection in most years, the CDC states. Also, it is important to note that health professionals say children six months to 9 years of age getting a flu shot for the first time will need two doses of vaccine the first year they are vaccinated, with the first dose given ideally in September. The second dose should be given 28 or more days after the first dose. The CDC states that “the first dose ‘primes’ the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection.” It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to begin. So if your children fall into this category, they need to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

Good Hygiene

Practicing good hygiene can be the best defense against the spread of germs. It’s important to remind children to:

• Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away after they use it. If there is not time to get a tissue, tell your children to cough into the inside of their elbow.
• Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If water is not available, have them carry an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Also, remind your children not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth, as it is one of the most common ways germs are spread.
• Keep children home from school when sick. While your child may want to go to school, doing so will spread germs unnecessarily. For instance, the main way that influenza viruses are spread is from person to person through coughs and sneezes, which can go about 3 feet.
• When children are sick at home, parents should wash their hands often. They also should thoroughly wash bedding and other items used by the sick individual, and surfaces should be cleaned with an antibacterial solution.

Following these suggestions can help keep your children as healthy as possible through the school year and year-round.

Treating Your Child’s Cough and Cold

It is important to remember there is no medication proven to directly kill the virus causing your child’s cold or flu. Most colds will pass in 5 to 10 days, and there are many steps you can take to ease your child’s symptoms until they pass. In general, make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids (fruit juices are recommended) and are getting lots of rest. Research shows that chicken soup actually does help, as it not only hydrates but some scientists think chemicals in the broth (for kids over the age of one) can help to break up lung congestion and may help boost the immune system. You should note that some experts suggest parents should not be tempted by cough suppressants, as they may prevent congestion from getting out of your child’s lungs. Instead, try honey (once again, as long as your child is older than one year). Studies have shown that honey can help soothe your child’s cough. For more ideas on helping your children feel better naturally, visit the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Web site at www.fda.gov, or go to www.mayoclinic.com.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov.