Fighting the Flu

This could be a slightly extreme method for avoiding the flu, but it sounds like we're in for a storm this season. I am already hearing of way too many cases for it only being the middle of October. While I do plan on getting the flu shots for our family this year, I know it's a sensitive topic and something each mother has to decide for herself. Regardless, I thought it wouldn't hurt to review some other tips for fighting the flu.

If we can all understand that each of us can make a difference, along with some basic common courtesies, I don't think this flu thing has to be the scary pandemic everyone is fearing.

• Wash your hands: Be extra cautious by washing after being in public. Help your children wash their hands when returning home from the store, school, church, wherever.



• Wipe down germy areas often: I used to occasionally walk around the house with Lysol Wipes/ Spray, now I do it at least once a week, and of course, more if anyone in the house has been sick. Some of the germy areas include: doorknobs, remote controls, telephones/cell phones, light switches, toys, purse handles, keyboard, mouse, and don't forget to wipe areas in your car like the steering wheel, door handles, buttons.



• Keep your hands away from your face: Enough said...easy access for all those germs.



• Avoid close contact with others who are sick: Easy when the person isn't your responsibility right? If it is a child or husband, have the sickie use a mask, try to contain them and their germs in one room. It's not easy, but it is possible to stop the bug from running through your entire family.



• Stay at home while you are sick, and remain for at least 24 hours after your fever and other symptoms have ceased. If I have to hear another person practically bragging about how sick they are while in a public place like they deserve a prize for still going about their daily life, I am going to scratch their eyes out...period.



• Sleep/Exercise/Healthy Eating: Taking care of ourselves before sickness is one of the best things we can do to avoid sickness. We certainly can't expect our bodies to fight anything off if we are not giving it the energy it needs.



• Speak Up: It's not easy to tell your co-worker to take their coughing/snotty face home, or to tell a friend you can't keep their little one who is showing signs of sickness, but remember that you are responsible for protecting your family.

Stay healthy everyone:)