How to Keep Children Healthy During Flu Season
Flu season is upon us, and while this time of year is always a time to be hyper-vigilant about germs, the omnipresent threat of COVID-19 has made proactivity more important than ever. From getting your child vaccinated to educating your child on the importance of personal space, there are several things you, as a parent, can do now to keep your child safe and healthy all throughout flu season.
This flu season, it’s more important than ever that you monitor your child’s health and take proactive measures to boost his or her immune system. Give your child the healthy advantage this year by keeping the above tips in mind.
Get a Flu Shot
Yes, the rumors are true — the flu shot is not 100% effective. However, when it comes to the flu, 100% effectiveness is not necessary. In fact, according to recent studies, receiving a flu vaccine — even one that contains the wrong strain — can reduce a person’s risk of contracting the illness by as much as 60%. If your child does end up contracting the virus after receiving an immunization, he or she is much more likely to experience milder symptoms as opposed to the debilitating ones typically associated with influenza. For these reasons, the CDC recommends that all persons over the age of six months receive their annual flu vaccinations, and preferably in October.Continue To Stay Active
Regular exercise is key to helping your child achieve and maintain optimal health. Whether inside or out, encourage your child to engage in moderate exercise on a daily basis. Studies show that children and adults who are more active than not experience fewer episodes of cold, flu and other illnesses.Minimize Sharing
Sharing is caring, except when it involves the exchanging of germs. While you should not necessarily discourage your child from sharing, you should set boundaries. Teach your children to never share cups, straws, eating utensils, scarves, gloves or anything else that comes into contact with another person’s face, mouth or bodily fluids. To prevent the spread of germs through toy-to-touch contact, try to prevent any of your child’s toys from leaving your home until flu season has passed.Decrease Stress
Though easier said than done, you should try to help your child manage his or her stress and anxiety as best as possible. Stress wreaks havoc on the immune system and can make your child more susceptible to illnesses, such as flu and COVID-19. Grant your child plenty of downtime, and if you notice that he or she maintains a busy schedule, encourage him or her to slow down and rest. If you have little ones, inspire creative play or set aside time for arts and crafts, as creativity helps reduce stress. If you need additional help or feel that there are more severe issues developing, such as chronic anxiety, irritability/hyperactivity, Brillia — our sister product — provides a safe and clinically-proven non-prescription medication to reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety without harsh chemicals, or harmful side effects.Take the Right Supplements
When it comes to keeping your child healthy, you may be of the mind that you will take all the help you can get. Immune boosting supplements can be a powerful tool, as many over-the-counter supplements contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and other health-boosting agents. For instance, chia seeds, which you can easily add to your child’s breakfast smoothie or yogurt, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help decrease levels of inflammation and improve cholesterol levels. Spirulina helps the body regenerate after illness or surgery, and hemp powder protein aids in the repair and rebuilding of tissues.Have Medications On Hand and Your Pediatrician On Speed Dial
Despite your best efforts, your child may fall ill this flu and cold season. If his or her symptoms are mild, a gentle yet impactful, over-the-counter cold-flu medication may be all he or she needs to reduce uncomfortable symptoms and regain optimal health sooner rather than later. However, if your little one develops more worrying symptoms, or if your parental intuition tells you to do so, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call your pediatrician, as it’s always best to err on the side of caution.Brillia Health Newsletter:
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