Avoiding Cold Flu During Back to School Season
Avoiding Cold Flu During Back to School Season , As school starts back in session, the risk of catching the cold or flu increases. Being in close contact with others, along with cooler weather, can cause kids to pass on viruses from one to another easily. Instead of searching for the best over the counter flu medicine, do your best to prevent getting sick in the first place. There are a number of things that boost the immune system and help your kids avoid catching sickness from someone else. However, in the event you or your children do get sick, there are some things you can do to minimize symptoms and get everyone back to normal quickly.
Table of Contents
1. Maintaining Healthy Diet & Hygiene
Eating healthy is one of the best defenses against illness. Organic whole foods are the best, as they provide the body with the essential nutrients necessary to support the immune system and prevent the flu and cold. Sugar is one of the worst things, as it suppresses immunity. Make a point of limiting sweets at all times of the year, but during cold and flu season, make it a point to switch to healthier options.
Good hygiene is another way to keep germs and viruses away. Teach your school-aged children to wash their hands regularly and to avoid touching their faces.
2. Stopping the Spread of Classroom Sickness
Once someone gets sick in the classroom, it can spread like wildfire. Teachers should keep an eye out for cold or flu symptoms, such as a persistent cough, and send a child home if they do not feel well.
3. Supplementing with Immune Boosting Nutrients
Certain nutrients are especially beneficial for the immune system. Some of these include:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Carotenoids
- Omega-3 fatty acids
There are numerous foods that contain high amounts of these nutrients, and it is best to get them through whole foods. However, sometimes it is hard to eat enough, or perhaps they are harder to find at certain times of the year. When this is the case, it is more than ok to take supplements.
4. Getting Enough Rest
Sleep can do wonders for the body, as this is when the body heals and strengthens. Children should have set bed times so that they get the adequate sleep they need. During the weekends, naps can help recharge if someone feels more tired than usual. If it is cold or flu season, it is a good idea to try to get a little more sleep every night to prevent illness.
5. Preparing for Illness
Even with the best preparation, sometimes it is impossible to avoid illness. Fortunately, if you plan ahead, you can fight back at the first symptom and feel better quickly. Doing all the above things should strengthen the immune system enough to be able to fight off the illness in no time. However, it is always a good idea to have things on hand to help reduce symptoms. Some of these include a humidifier, homeopathic decongestant, herbal teas, immune-boosting supplements, and old-fashion chicken soup.
