Prevention is key when it comes to coping with head colds, bugs and viruses this winter.
Prevention is the key when it comes to head colds, bugs and viruses this winter.
It's going to be a cold one and without a doubt there will be a nasty strain of flu floating about once again so teaching our kids to look after themselves from a young age is vital.
Pardon the pun but if you are sick of the sickness why not try implementing some of these tips in your home.
1. Keep hydrated and stock up on probiotics
Make sure everyone is drinking plenty of fluids so they don't get dehydrated. If your body is lacking in fluids you will find it harder to fight infection.
As for probiotics, they promote a healthy gut by introducing good bacteria to the digestive system which is so important after a bug, virus or even after antibiotics. Good gut health is something that the whole family can benefit from all year round but throughout the winter months, they are essential.
2. Teach good hand hygiene
It is so important to teach children from a young age about good hand hygiene. Keep a special bottle of suds aside for them for when they need to clean up and make it routine that they wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and on the hour when they are feeling poorly. The same goes for adults too.
According to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, you should be able to sing Happy Birthday twice whilst washing your hands.
3. Sneezing and snots
Kids, in general, aren't very good on hygiene, including my own. So this autumn I've been teaching my children aged 2, 3, 4 and 8 to sneeze and cough into their elbows if they haven't got a tissue nearby, in the hope, it will help prevent the spread of germs. I'm also rewarding them with a jelly bean each time they come to me with a dirty nose that needs wiping. It all helps!
4. Keep it personal
Viruses can live for up to 24 hours across surfaces, enough time to spread throughout the whole house if you have smallies. Do not let children share drinks, cutlery or anything really. Don't forget to keep toothbrushes and towels separate too.
5. Flu vaccination
No onion hack is going to protect your family from the latest strain of flu. Get the flu vaccination. If you have a medical card it is free and if not, the average price is €20 in most surgeries and pharmacies across Ireland. Half the price on what you would spend if you ended up with a bad dose of the flu.
6. Get outside
Whether the sun is shining or there are muddy puddles go leor. Get up, get active even if it's only out the back garden for half an hour. Wrap up warm, get some exercise and fresh air, it will do you all the world of good.
7. Air out the house
In winter we tend to keep windows and doors shut with the heating on full blast. But did you know stuffy houses is the perfect breeding ground for germs and bugs? Each morning regardless of the weather air out the house for an hour or two.
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.
