Cold and flu season is just around the corner. While a cold can seem unavoidable in the cooler months, there are several preventative measures you can take to stay healthy. Here are a few tips for keeping your family cold and flu free.

• Make sure you have the essentials in case your household falls victim to cold and flu season. Tissues, cough drops, fever reducers, thermometers, hand sanitizer and cough medicine can all be useful supplies to combat the symptoms of the season.
• To prevent the transfer of the virus avoid sharing cups, towels and utensils.
• Washing your hands is one of the simplest and most effective means of preventing the spread of germs. Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer throughout the day to help slow the spread of germs.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces like counter tops, remote controls, phones and door handles daily.
• Avoiding crowds during cold and flu season can help reduce your chances of getting sick. The flu spreads easily among large groups so decreasing your exposure can prevent you from falling victim.
• Keep your children home when they are not feeling well. Make sure that they are not running a fever and have been taking the prescribed medicine for a minimum of 24 hours before sending them back to school.
• While there is no vaccination for the common cold, a flu shot can help to keep you healthy.

Taking the basic steps in prevention can help to keep you and your family healthy and protected during cold and flu season. If your children do fall victim to runny noses, fevers and coughs, the staff at NiteOwl Pediatrics is here to help get them back to health.