Every year, as soon as flu season and pneumonia risks rise and influenza viruses begin circulating, getting sick can feel almost inevitable. That’s especially the case if you live in a household with multiple children. Illness can quickly spread from one child to another, leading to what feels like an unending cycle of sniffles, coughs and other flu symptoms.
There are things you can do to reduce the spread of illnesses during flu and pneumonia seasons; however, here are some of the most useful ways of protecting your household when winter starts and helping reduce the risk of flu complications, secondary infections, and even influenza pneumonia.
Encourage Frequent Handwashing During Flu Season and Pneumonia Risks
Handwashing is one of the most helpful ways of preventing the spread of diseases like the flu and bacterial pneumonia. Encourage your children to wash their hands often throughout the day, both at school and at home.
The most effective length of time for handwashing is 20 seconds, which is about the time it takes to sing through “Happy Birthday” twice. Make sure your children use soap and show them how to scrub between their fingers and under their nails.
If it’s not possible to use a sink, antibacterial hand sanitizers are another option. Make sure they’re at least 60% alcohol so they can help kill germs that cause respiratory diseases and secondary bacterial infections.
Use More Disposables
During flu season and pneumonia scares, when one child is ill and you’re attempting to prevent everyone else from catching the sickness, rely on disposable products. Use tissues and wipes instead of hand towels, for example, and paper towels for dishrags.
Paper cups are also a better option than glassware, since you don’t have to worry about handling them to wash them, reducing the chance of bacterial infection transfer and protecting overall lung health.
Focus on Surfaces
Germs that are rampant during flu season and pneumonia bouts can remain on surfaces for longer than you may think. This is one of the most common ways people catch illnesses from others in the same household.
Use antibacterial products to wipe counters, along with remote controls, door handles (including the refrigerator’s), and faucets.
Cell phones carry bacteria and germs. If a child with the flu plays a game on your phone, wipe it clean before anyone else uses it. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of wiping your phone down when you walk into your home to prevent bringing in microbes that can cause lung disease, flu pneumonia, and other complications.
Ensure Everyone Gets a Flu Shot
Once flu season arrives, encourage your entire family to get vaccinated. Every year, there are updated shots that help protect you against the most common strains of influenza. Most pharmacies offer these shots.
It only takes a short time to get the vaccine, and it’s one of the most effective ways of reducing the impact of these illnesses on your household.
Boost the Household’s Immune System Against Flu, Pneumonia, and Lung Disease Risks
There are numerous ways you can help improve the immune system of everyone in your home as soon as flu season and pneumonia season begin. Offer foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and spinach, as well as those full of vitamin C, like oranges and other citrus fruits. Vitamin E-rich foods, including almonds, can also be helpful for overall health and improved response to infection.
If someone in your home is sick, giving them vitamin C supplements could be helpful in shortening their illness as well. Additionally, lean proteins can keep your loved one’s strength up so that they can fight the illness and get over it as quickly as possible.
When school starts, it can be tough to get all of the sleep you and your children need, but resting is essential. Not getting enough sleep weakens your immune system, making illness much more likely. Encouraging your children to go to bed early can make a difference in overall health levels.
Limit Who Comes in Contact With the Ill Person
It’s very difficult to prevent siblings from spending time with each other, but it’s best to try to limit who can come in and out of your ill child’s room. Only one or two people should have contact with them while they’re contagious.
It can also be a challenge to keep a child with the flu in bed. They may want to watch television with their siblings or go to the kitchen to get a snack. Limiting their wanderings can help prevent the spread of germs.
Use Masks
Masks can be effective at preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses. They keep a sick person from spreading droplets that may contain the virus that’s making them ill. Anyone over the age of two can wear a mask.
Don’t Allow Children to Share Toys
Germs can easily remain on toys. It’s best if your children don’t share them, especially if they’re porous or made of fabric. If fully preventing them from sharing is impossible, wipe the toys with sanitizer.
Speak With a Pediatrician
If you’re concerned about frequent bouts of illness making their way through your household, your child’s pediatrician can offer some guidance on how to boost their immune system and prevent illnesses.
Children who are more prone to respiratory infections like pneumonia can also benefit from a consultation with a pediatric pulmonologist. Some environmental changes, like adding a humidifier to their bedroom, for example, can help prevent or alleviate certain respiratory conditions in the winter.
Preparing for Winter’s Health Challenges With Assistance
If your home tends to go through cycles of colds, the flu, and even pneumonia when winter hits, taking some essential steps to prevent the spread of germs can make a difference.
Getting your children to wash their hands often throughout the day, even at school, and boosting their immune systems with the right foods can significantly lower the chances of serious illnesses and complications that may lead to hospital visits for patients with severe pneumonia symptoms or flu symptoms.
Despite all of your efforts, however, it’s still possible for a child to fall ill. To help get an accurate diagnosis and begin the most appropriate treatments, you need assistance from trusted pediatricians. At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we provide an array of services that can help keep your children healthy. Contact our team for a consultation.