Working With A Family Doctor

Winter is just around the corner, which means that flu season will soon be here. If you have kids, you want to make sure that they're well-protected from the germs that could make them sick. The last thing you want is to spend the winter fighting the flu-bug. Here are four steps you should take to help your kids avoid the flu-bug this winter.

Don't Skip the Flu Shots

Now that flu season almost here, it's time to get prepared. To win the battle against the flu, don't skip the flu shots. While flu shots don't protect you against every strain of flu that will pass through this winter, they will protect your kids against the most common strains. If they do get sick, the flu shots will help ensure a shorter sickness period.

Make Sure They Wash Their Hands

Kids don't always wash their hands as often as they should. Even when they do wash their hands, they might not do it as thoroughly as they should.  Unfortunately, that can leave them susceptible to flu germs. To help keep your kids healthy this winter, teach them how to wash their hands properly. One way to make sure that your kids wash their hands thoroughly is to teach them to sing a song while they're washing. Have your kids sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star while they're lathering on the soap. This will ensure that they spend the time necessary to get rid of all the germs that could be hiding on their hands.

Bring Your Own Toys

Even healthy kids have to go to the doctors from time to time. If your kids are scheduled for a doctor's appointment during flu season, be prepared for the wait time. This is particularly important if you have young children. Bring books and toys from your home that they can entertain themselves with while you wait. This will ensure that your kids don't pick up any germs from handling toys that might have been played with by kids who are sick. It's a good idea for you to bring your own reading material, as well.

Use the Sanitizing Wipes

People don't always stay home when they're sick. When you go shopping with your children during flu season, be prepared for the germs that you might come in contact with in the stores. Take advantage of the sanitizing wipes that most stores place near the shopping carts. Be sure to wipe down the areas that you will be touching. It's also a good idea to wipe down the sides of the cart, especially if your children will be holding on while you shop.

Flu season is almost here. Make sure you're ready to keep your kids healthy this winter. Use the tips provided here to help keep the flu out of your home this flu season.