Late October means one thing to most moms. No, its not Halloween. But it is something just as scary. Its time to get the kids their flu shots. And it is no easy task. You have to watch out for dose shortages and traces of mercury. You have to determine wether they should get the shot or the nasal mist and know the risks and requirements for each one. And even after all of your homework is done, there is the added challenge of actually getting them into the doctor’s office. Many pediatric practices only administer the vaccination at Saturday clinics where the wait is long and the germs are plenty.
Despite all of the obstacles, you manage to get it done every year. Only to hear that tale tell sniffle and cough early into the next year. The fact is preventing the influenza virus is not a perfect science. The circulation strain changes often and it is difficult to match it with the vaccination strain. I am sure many of you remember the 2003/2004 debacle in which the vaccination was completely ineffective. For other years, studies have shown it to be as little as 25% effective. So how do you take matters in your own hands? There are several small habits that you can implement into your routine to drastically reduce your family’s chances of catching the flu and other illnesses this season.
Your first line of defense is to avoid germs. The most effective thing you can do to protect yourself from germs is to wash your hands well and wash them often. Be sure to scrub with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. A good rule of thumb for little ones is to sing “The Happy Birthday Song”once through while scrubbing. We all know to wash after using the bathroom or after coming in contact with bodily fluids. But you must also remember to always wash anytime your hand comes in contact with your mouth. This includes but is not limited to eating, preparing or serving food.
Your second line of defense is to build up your immune system to ward off any germs that get through. Adequate sleep is essential to keeping your immune system in optimal condition. Adults need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Children need anywhere from 9-14 hours each night depending on their age. Check with your pediatrician for the most accurate information. In addition to a good night’s sleep, your immune system needs a helping hand from your diet. A balanced diet full of antioxidant and Vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables is more important in the winter months than any other time of the year. Adding probiotics to your diet can boost your immune system significantly as well. Many yogurts contain probiotics. You can also buy a drinkable yogurt called kefir at your local health food store that is loaded with probiotics. My kids love strawberry flavored kefir which is a healthy alternative to the sugary yogurts targeted at kids. You can also buy acidophilus capsules or powder at the health food store. I mix the powder into my kids’ food or drinks for an instant immune system booster.
These small preventive measures can help you to ensure better health for your family all winter long and keep you flu free well into April.
(Photo courtesy of mosseby)
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