As if a global pandemic isn’t enough to handle as a parent, flu season is starting to rear its ugly head once again. Catching the flu is no fun, and it’s especially stressful when you have a baby at home. Explore this parent’s guide to managing flu season for more information on how to make this time manageable.
Understand How the Flu Is Spread and Its Symptoms
Understanding how people catch the flu is the first step to preventing its spread. Flu viruses are spread through droplets, which are predominately created when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. When these droplets land in the nose, mouth, or hands of people nearby, that person is put at risk of developing the flu. People can also catch the flu from touching something or someone that has been in contact with the virus, then touching their nose, mouth, or eyes.
Here are the most common flu symptoms:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Sore throat
Be Prepared in Case a Member of the Household Catches It
It’s extremely important to be prepared in case a member of your household catches the flu. The goal is to contain the illness, so it doesn’t spread to every member of the family. Keep the sick person as isolated as possible, however, this obviously isn’t very probable or realistic for small children and babies.
Keep medicine in the house in case you or another member of the household contracts the virus and needs fever reducers or other symptom relief methods. You should also keep an Oogie baby ear and nose cleaner on hand to help alleviate any congestion your baby or small child may experience while suffering from the flu.
Explore Flu Prevention Methods
To best protect your child from contracting the flu virus, you should ensure they undergo a flu vaccine. In addition to the vaccine, you and your child should make every effort to stay away from people who are sick. You should also cover your coughs and teach your child to do the same when they are old enough.
If someone in your house contracts the flu, be sure to disinfect anything they touch before touching it yourself or allowing your child to touch it. This can help stop the spread of germs and bacteria.
Every household can benefit from a refresher from a parent’s guide to managing flu season. Oogie is committed to helping your baby breathe easier. Discover the easy to use relief of a baby ear and nose cleaner for your child.
