With cold and flu season nearly upon us, it's time to start thinking about how to keep our kids safe and healthy. Flu activity is generally low across the country until around October, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Then it starts to spike.
Cold and flu season usually peaks between January and March. But the CDC recommends that now is the time to prepare for it, starting with a flu vaccine.
Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann agrees with the CDC. Dr. Tanya is a pediatrician, a best-selling author, a parenting expert, and a mom of two.
She is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, which means she is approved by this esteemed organization of physicians to communicate complicated medical issues into concepts that are easily understood.
Dr. Tanya is an ambassador for the TYLENOL® SMILING IT FORWARD™ program that encourages moms to upload photos of their children’s “feel better” smiles to benefit the Children’s Health Fund.
She is dedicated to making children everywhere feel better, and helping parents achieve that goal.
Dr. Tanya recently took time out of her hectic schedule to answer a few questions exclusively for EmpowHER.com, regarding how to best keep kids safe during cold and flu season.
EmpowHER:
What can moms do to keep school-age kids healthy?
Dr. Tanya:
Teach kids how to wash their hands, cough into their elbow and use a tissue and throw it in the trash. Kids get sick often from touching surfaces with germs and then touching their face — eyes, nose, mouth — common entry points for infections.
It’s tough to teach kids not to touch their face, but it’s a good idea to start talking to them about it. Encourage them to wash their hands after playing, after using the bathroom, and before eating meals or snacks.
In addition, make sure your entire family eats a healthy diet full of fresh fruit and veggies, drinks plenty of fluids, gets enough sleep and sees their doctor for regular check ups.
It’s also time to get your yearly flu vaccine — the best way to protect your family against the flu.
EmpowHER:
Are there tips for stopping the spread of sickness from one child to another?
Dr. Tanya:
Teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. This may seem like a really long time for a child, so make it fun by singing Happy Birthday or make up words to Row Row Your Boat, like “Wash Wash, Your Hands ...” Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces as well since that is how germs spread.
In addition, make sure everyone in your family is eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep and are up to date on vaccines including this year’s flu vaccine — to help protect against very serious infections.
EmpowHER:
What should a mom do to prepare for cold and flu season?
Dr. Tanya:
Stock up on what you need to keep hands and surfaces clean as well as medications, like Infant and Children’s TYLENOL®, in case your kids get a fever or are not feeling well.
EmpowHER:
Are there ways to shorten the time a cold affects a child?
Dr. Tanya:
Make sure you give your child plenty of fluids and rest to help their body fight off the cold. Treat symptoms as needed to help them feel better.
EmpowHER:
What should moms know about keeping themselves healthy even if their kids get sick?
Dr. Tanya:
Wash hands and disinfect surfaces frequently!
For more tips on keeping the whole family healthy as the country begins the traditional cold and flu season, click here.
For more detailed information, the CDC has also put together a report specifically on controlling and preventing influenza in the 2014-2015 flu season.
Sources:
Email interview with Dr. Tanya. 24 September 2014.
DrTanya.com. Web. 24 September 2014. “About.”
http://www.drtanya.com/about-2
CDC.gov. Web. 24 September 2014. “Flu.”
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
Reviewed September 25, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith