By Yvonne Juarez, MD, Chief of Pediatrics, Fresno Kaiser Permanente
Now that temperatures have dropped and we are bundling up our little ones as they leave for school in the morning, it’s important to remember that cold and flu season is here. School-age kids are particularly vulnerable to the spread of colds, viral and bacterial infections. But there are steps you can take to make sure your kids stay healthy throughout the winter season.
- Wash hands frequently. Proper hand washing is an effective way to avoid spreading germs. Just 15 to 20 seconds of hand washing (or enough time to sing Happy Birthday), using water and soap can reduce the risk of transmitting diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control, hand washing is the single most important means of preventing infection from spreading. If you don’t have access to a sink, hand sanitizer is another good option.
- Keep vaccinated. Make sure your children are up to date on all of their vaccinations. Vaccines not only protect your child, but the children around them. Check with your pediatrician for a list of vaccines your child should have based on their age.
- Get a flu shot. Along with regular vaccinations, the flu shot is a good way to reduce your child’s risk of catching the flu, or worse, developing more serious complications from the flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older. Now is the time to get your children a flu shot. A nasal spray is also available. Contact your local doctor or county health department for a list of places where the vaccine is available.
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For more information about how to keep you and your family healthy: visit www.kp.org.
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