With the summer behind us, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming flu season. Below are some quick tips to boost your child’s immune system and reduce their number of sick days!
- Speak with your child’s doctor about a Flu shot. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine as the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Something noteworthy this year is that the nasal spray is no longer recommended, only flu shots are recommended. Speak with your child’s doctor about getting them immunized against the flu this year!
- Serve your child more fruits and veggies – they contain immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, and “phytonutrients” – which studies have shown help the body fight infections, viruses, and chronic diseases. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep – it has been shown that sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness. Preschoolers need about 10 hours of sleep a day. If your child can’t or won’t take naps, try putting them to bed earlier.
- Stop the spread of germs – make sure your child washes their hands often, especially when arriving home from day care, and before meals. A fun tip to help boost this habit in kids is to let them pick out their own brightly colored soap and hand towels in fun scents and colors!
- Eliminate secondhand smoke – children exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma, because their natural detoxification system is less developed than that of an adult. If you or somebody in your house smokes, try to quit.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health in general, or in regards to flu season, please consult with your child’s primary care doctor.
To read more about the CDC’s recommendations this flu season, please click here.
To read more about boosting your child’s immune system, please click here.