Flu Prevention Tips for Moms

Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Children’s Mercy. The views expressed are solely my own.

Everyone has their preferred and least liked seasons. My top choice is Fall. I relish the cooler temperatures after the sweltering heat of summer. There’s something incredibly satisfying about getting cozy in jeans and sweatshirts. I live for the fall! And I can’t overlook those beautiful leaves that transform so vibrantly and then provide endless joy as my kids jump into piles of them!

As for my least favorite season? Flu Season. Absolutely! In Missouri, flu season has kicked off, and the spread is alarming. Reports from Children’s Mercy indicated that the cases nearly doubled each week in September. In response, health experts advise that everyone aged six months and older should get vaccinated against the flu this year. The flu can pose serious health risks, particularly for children aged 5 and under, especially those younger than 2. If you have a child in that age group, it’s vital for you to get vaccinated as well.

Proactively combating the flu is crucial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting a flu shot this year instead of the nasal spray vaccine. In addition to vaccination, consider these effective strategies to prevent the flu:

• Regularly wash your hands.
• Cough or sneeze into tissues.
• Ensure adequate sleep.
• Incorporate probiotics (like yogurt, fresh fruits, and veggies) into your diet.
• Consider taking a probiotic supplement.
• Avoid nail-biting.
• Disinfect shared items frequently.

Have questions about how the flu operates? Check out these common flu myths debunked! For additional insights, visit childrensmercy.org. Don’t forget to follow Children’s Mercy on Facebook and Twitter for more parenting advice.

What special measures do you take to keep your family safe from the flu?