How to keep children healthy during cold and flu season?

The flu (influenza) is a very contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs)

Children younger than 5 years old–especially those younger than 2–are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications. CDC estimates that since 2010, flu-related hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years ranged from 7,000 to 26,000 in the United States. Many more have to go to a doctor, an urgent care center, or the emergency room because of flu.

Children younger than 6 months old have the highest risk for being hospitalized from flu compared to children of other ages, but are too young to get a flu vaccine. Because flu vaccines are not approved for children younger than 6 months old, protecting them from flu is especially important.

What can we do to lessen the chances of our kids younger than 5 Years Old getting a cold or the flu?

1. Take Time to Get a Vaccine. A yearly flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect against flu.
2. Take Everyday Preventive Actions
• Keep yourself and the child in your care away from people who are sick as much as you can.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Get active. Studies have shown that being active can help reduce cold and flu episodes.
• Get plenty of sleep. Children need between 9 and 14 hours of sleep a day depending on their age. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of getting sick.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill.

If You Are Sick with Flu, please take below steps to protect your children from flu.
1. Call your health care professional if you develop flu symptoms; they may prescribe antiviral drugs for flu.
2. Try to minimize contact with the child in your care as much as possible, especially if the child in your care is younger than 2 years old or is an older child with chronic medical conditions. They are very vulnerable to flu.
3. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and put your used tissue in a wastebasket and wash your hands.
4. Observe the child or children in your care closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory illness.
5. If your child shows any Emergency Warning Signs of flu, seek medical care immediately.

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