Flu Prevention

Kids First Team Member
5 days ago
3 min read

As we approach peak flu season in North Carolina, we are sharing some helpful prevention tips from healthychildren.org:

Flu infections are highly contagious. The respiratory illness is caused by a virus. It spreads easily when children are in a group with other children, such as in a child care center or family child care home.

The flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children. It can lead to serious health conditions like pneumonia or bacterial infections. Each year, many children are hospitalized, and some die from the flu.

Flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against getting the flu. Everyone age 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine each year. Babies cannot get their first flu shot until they are 6 months old .Link is missing

It is critical that people who live with or care for children—especially newborns and infants younger than 6 months—get vaccinated. Immunizing adults and children who are around an infant to prevent illnesses is often referred to as "cocooning."

Protect kids with chronic health conditions

Children and teens with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and disorders of the brain or nervous system, are at high risk for flu complications.

Flu: A Guide for Parents of Children and Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions

Fight germs

Taking the time to wash hands and clean and disinfect surfaces goes a long way toward keeping germs away. As adults, we know to wash our hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or wiping noses. When you cough or sneeze, cough into your sleeve or arm or into a tissue. Be sure to dispose of the tissue and wash your hands. Parents and child care providers can do their part to stop germs by teaching and reminding young children how and when to wash their hands.

Prevent the spread of illness in child care

Young children who have just entered child care are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. This is because it may be the first time they have been exposed to certain germs. In addition, they may be too young to have received enough doses of recommended vaccines to have developed immunity.

Caregivers and teachers can do their part by supporting ways to avoid the spread of infections in child care and keep community immunity strong.

How sick is too sick?

When children are healthy, they can go to child care or school, and parents can go to work. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to make sure everyone can continue to participate in these important activities.

You'll know if your child needs to stay home. They may feel too sick to participate in activities. Or they require care beyond what the caregivers can provide, and it takes away from their ability to care for the other children.