Prevention Tips for Kids During Flu and Cold Season

School is starting again, and that means one thing…GERMS!!!

We have a few tips for parents to help keep kids healthy (and here you thought they were the only ones who get to learn!)flu season

#1 Wash Your Hands.

Wash your hands before and after using the restroom. Before eating food. And any time they come into contact with someone who has a cold or a flu. Instilling this healthy habit at home will encourage them to use it at school where it really counts.

#2 Make Sure Everyone is Up-to-Date on the Flu Vaccine

Make sure you kids are up-to-date on their flu vaccinations. From the Center for Disease Control, “Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.” You can stop by any UNI Urgent Care location and get your flu shot and your kids flu shots today.

cold season#3 Keep your kids home from school when they are sick.

Keep your kids home. The rest helps kids recover more quickly. More importantly, keeping kids home from school and daycare helps prevent the spread of germs and viruses. We know it is tough to manage child care when they are home, but it is better for everyone in the long run.

#4 Don’t Over Do It

Like everyone, kids need plenty of rest and a healthy diet to support a healthy immune system. So make sure you kids are getting plenty of rest, and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Remember, the cold season is upon us! If you find yourself with a sick child and have any questions about their care, visit any of our UNI Urgent Care locations for an appointment and treatment options.