It’s Important To Keep Your Hands Clean To Avoid Catching A Cold.
Don’t Forget Protection Against The Flu Virus.Antibiotics Do Not Work On The Flu
Once again winter is here and it’s time for cold and flu season. There are many ways to avoid catching a cold or flu but we all know that sometimes it’s just too late, we have come down with the flu.
First you can make sure that you keep your hands clean. Every time you are in a public place or anywhere there may be contact with people who are sick like schools or work, Wash your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer, antiseptic type of hand wash or soap and water.
One thing you need to know is that antibiotics do not work on viruses. The flu, sore throats and colds are brought on by viruses. Antibiotics have no effect on a virus. Please do not ask your doctor for antibiotics, they are not needed and can do more harm than good.
It’s Vaccination Time For Protection Against The Flu.Protection Against The Flu Virus
Someone who is sick with the flu may be able to spread the virus anywhere from the day before coming down with it and up to five days after being sick with the flu. If you know someone that has the flu we recommend that you stay away from them if you have a weakened immune system or are around children who could become exposed to the virus.
A vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu virus. Most doctors recommend that all children over the age of six months up to nineteen years of age have their flu vaccine every flu season usually during the fall or winter.
You can help to protect your family by getting a flu vaccine for yourself. It is also recommended that people in close contact with your family get the flu vaccine.
Keep Your Hands Clean To Avoid The Flu. The Winter Flu
Avoid touching your face with your hands or rubbing your eyes if you have been touching door handles stair railings or other hard surfaces that may have had contact with someone that was sick.
Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching trash cans that people may be throwing their tissues into. Remember to properly dispose of your own tissues, you don’t want other people around you to become sick.
If you become sick with the flu talk to your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids and make sure you get all of the rest that you can. If you want to you can purchase an over the counter medicine to treat the flu but make sure you speak to the pharmacist first.
Make sure that it does not contain aspirin if you are giving it to your child or teenager. Ask the pharmacist to make sure the medicine is the right one for your child. People who have a viral infection recover when the illness has run its course. Colds caused by viruses may last for two weeks or longer.
Posted: December 11th, 2008 under Childrens Health.