Seasonal flu is a concern for parents every year. Influenza viruses peak every year during monsoon and winter. With monsoon tinging the sky heavily, sniffles and coughs are bound to be abundant and common among Indian kids. But why is seasonal flu such a concern compared to other minor illnesses and infections in kids?
The flu or influenza virus is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications in very young children, pregnant women, comorbid patients, and the elderly. Though seasonal flu usually lasts 3 to 7 days, it can leave patients feeling weak and fatigued for another week or two.
Common symptoms usually appear between 1 to 4 days of exposure. They are,
Seasonal flu is dangerous and highly contagious for school-going kids, for two reasons. First of all, its virus’ ability to mutate to the changing environmental circumstances and innovative medicines makes it unpredictable. It also makes it difficult to treat, with new symptoms arising on a regular basis.
Second, children have a poorer sense of hygiene than adults. Due to their sweet innocence, they also do not usually maintain distance from sick friends. But this can backfire on their health and well-being. So, here are some tips for teaching kids about seasonal flu prevention.
Teach your kids to wash their hands constantly before and after meals, after playing outside, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing. They should use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If it is hard for them to determine on their own, tell them it is equivalent to singing the birthday song twice.
Encourage your kids to cover their mouths while coughing. However, discourage coughing by covering the mouth with their palm. Teach them to use napkins or cough into the crook of their elbow instead. This will prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, among others. Explain to them that touching their face, eyes, nose, or mouth after coughing or sneezing will increase the risk of sickness and its spread.
Teach your kids the importance of staying home only when sick. Explain to them that if they go to school with symptoms of seasonal flu, it will spread the germ among their friends and make them all sick. It is better to take medicines and rest at home while sipping on a favorite beverage till they feel better and no longer suffer from flu symptoms. It will keep them healthy and others safe as well.
Your child must drink plenty of fluids to flush toxins from their body and keep their immune system running in top gear. So, encourage hydration by ensuring your children drink lots of water, herbal teas, fruit juices, and soup. These will keep them filled with nutrition and adequate water levels.
A fun way of explaining the spread of germs and pathogens to kids is by playing a game on it. Get some glitter and put some on their palm. Let them roam the entire household, putting their glittery hands here and there. Then make them return, wash their hands, and set off with a magnifying glass to look for the ‘culprit’, like a detective. You can join them in playing these learning games as well to further promote bonding and teach kids about seasonal flu.
Children love sharing tiffin and toys with their friends at school. While it is a noble and honorable value to teach kids, it should not be applied where germs are concerned. Teach kids that it's okay to share toys but not the same cutlery or drink. Also, they should be taught to maintain a healthy distance from others when sick. They should not be less than polite, but their physical distance will keep both child parties in good spirits and health.
Healthy food habits play a major role in lowering the risk of seasonal flu and other mild illnesses in kids. Children who eat a diet rich in vitamins C and D, zinc, and potassium, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, animal protein, and dairy, are at a lower risk of falling sick, be it with seasonal flu or a throat infection. So, it is important to develop a healthy relationship between your child and their diet.
Seasonal flu cannot be avoided forever. It is bound to visit all households sooner or later. But it is ideal to let it pass by as quietly as possible while keeping your kids safe from it. By following the above tips and guiding children accordingly, seasonal flu can be prevented and combated to a great extent. So do not delay any longer and give this guide a try now.