OXFORD, Miss. – With faculties in full swing and chilly and flu season underway, maintaining kids wholesome is extra essential than ever. Lauren Durham, a nurse practitioner at College Well being Companies on the College of Mississippi, provides well timed recommendation for households navigating this troublesome time.
“Now that we’re just some weeks into the college 12 months, you will need to reinforce wholesome habits,” mentioned the mom of two. “The perfect prevention appears easy, however it’s the best approach: washing your palms.”
Hand hygiene stays a crucial element of well being. Based on the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, washing with cleaning soap might shield about 1 in three younger kids who get sick from diarrhea. One other baby in 5 may forestall respiratory infections corresponding to pneumonia.
Durham recommends washing your palms often, particularly earlier than and after consuming and after coughing or sneezing.
“Reinforce the 20-second rule,” he mentioned. “In case your youngsters are too younger to know how lengthy it’s, sing the comfortable birthday track or the alphabet track whereas they wash.”
Durham emphasizes the significance of urging kids to not share private gadgets in school.
“Remind your youngsters to not share water bottles, hats or headbands,” she mentioned. “Sadly, all the things is stuffed with germs. I like to inform my youngsters that it's a option to be a superb pal, to assist maintain them from getting sick.”
As you spend extra time indoors, correct respiratory etiquette turns into essential. Durham advises educating kids to cowl their nostril and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Moreover, they need to keep away from touching their face.
If a baby will get sick, dad and mom might surprise when to take them to a supplier, Durham mentioned.
“If it's morning fever, see how they really feel the subsequent day,” Durham mentioned. “Did they reply to Tylenol? Did their fever come again? Are they complaining of a tummy ache?”
“Give it 12 to 24 hours earlier than dashing to the physician as a result of many assessments don't present constructive outcomes instantly anyway.”
Search rapid medical consideration if a baby develops a rash, has a fever that returns after initially happening, loses urge for food or can’t maintain meals or liquids down, Durham mentioned.
Durham has some further ideas for the entire household:
- Take into account getting a flu shot as peak flu season approaches
- Use disinfectants like Lysol extra often, particularly when somebody within the house is displaying signs.
- For abdomen viruses, improve hand washing as a result of hand sanitizer will not be efficient in opposition to these viruses.
- Drink fluids, however keep away from sugary drinks, particularly if a baby exhibits indicators of sickness.
- Emphasize the significance of excellent sleep patterns to spice up the immune system.
“Proceed to bolster these wholesome habits at residence,” Durham really useful. “By staying proactive, you possibly can assist maintain your kids wholesome and studying all through the college 12 months.”
Above: Wholesome habits like washing your palms, protecting your nostril and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and getting a flu shot can go a great distance towards maintaining youngsters wholesome this fall and winter, advises Lauren Durham, a nurse. specialised in College Well being Companies. Picture by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Companies