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Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe from Respiratory Illnesses
Flu season is anything but over; in fact, the CDC reported just last week that they’d seen an increase in cases across most of the country.
Flu and other respiratory viruses can attack at any time. However, we usually see a decrease in cases this time of year as the weather warms up, so this rise in cases is unexpected.
As a parent, you want to do everything in your power to protect your child from any harm, including illnesses. So, we’ve prepared a list of helpful tips you can use to keep your children healthy.
Check out our Great Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe from Respiratory Illnesses
Instill Healthy Hygiene Habits
The first order of business needs to be discussing the importance of good hygiene with your children. After this, teach them a few simple ways they can use to keep unwanted germs and viruses from spreading.
Here are some examples:
Sneezing into the Bend of Your Elbow – if your child doesn’t have a tissue, tell them to sneeze into the elbow bend rather than their hands. This way, it will be harder for germs to spread.
Throw Tissues Away After Using Them – Paper tissues are single-use! Instruct your child to throw the tissue into the trashcan after blowing their nose, sneezing, or wiping away mucus.secondhand smoke raises the risk of ear infections, lower respiratory infections, other respiratory problems in children.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”22228″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]Wash Your Hands – Kids need to wash their hands often, especially after playing with other children, riding the bus, or being in public places. Teach your kids to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If handwashing isn’t possible, then use a hand sanitizer.
Avoid Touching Your Face Unnecessarily – The average person touches their face 23 times an hour, and children are likely doing so more often. Train your children to avoid touching their nose, mouth, and eyes to help prevent respiratory illnesses.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”22236″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]
- If Possible, Avoid Sharing Toys, Crayons, Scissors, and Other School Materials – If your child must share school supplies, make sure they know to wash their hands once they finish using them.
[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”22229″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]Eat a Healthily
Nutrition is the basis for good health. Therefore, make sure your family gets plenty of veggies and fruits which are packed with vitamins to help them stay healthy.
Replace unhealthy snacks with fruits and nuts. You can even combine them; how does a sliced apple with a bit of peanut butter sound? Yum![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”22231″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]Keep Your Kids Well Hydrated
When it comes to keeping your child healthy, hydration needs to be a big part.
Here is how much your child should drink each day:
- 1 to 3 years old – need 3 to 4 cups of liquid
- 4 to 7 years old – need 5 cups of liquid
- 8 and older – need 8 cups of liquid
Water is the best option, but you can also offer them milk and fruit juices without added sugar. Please remember, if your child is out playing in the sun, they may need more hydration[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”22234″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is the foundation of good health. Children who get adequate sleep have healthier immune systems that help protect them from respiratory illnesses.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”22232″ size=”full”][us_separator size=”small”][us_cta title=”Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.” btn_label=”FIND AN ER” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Ffind-an-emergency-room-near-me-find-an-er%2F”][/us_cta][vc_column_text]
When to go to the ER
Regardless of how much you try to protect your child, viral infections are sometimes inevitable. In most cases, your child can recover safely at home, but you need to seek medical help if complications arise.
Please come to the nearest Altus Emergency Center if you notice any of the following:
- Your child has trouble breathing
- They are gasping for air or wheezing when they breathe
- They have trouble swallowing or are refusing to take any liquids
- They’ve been sick for a few days, and their symptoms are not improving
- They have a fever that won’t go down
Altus Emergency Centers is always open and ready to care for your child when you need us to.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”22233″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]
At Altus Emergency Centers, we have pediatric examining rooms designed to make the experience of a visit to the ER less scary.
Our doctors and nurses will take care of your child as if it were their own and help get them healthy again.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”22230″ size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]