PARENTS: Make Sure Your Kids Are Ready to Fight the Flu!

  
According to a National Health Interview Survey, influenza alone is responsible for 200 million days of diminished productivity and 75 million days of work absence. Everyone can suffer from a virus -- especially kids.

There are more than 3 million flu cases per year in the United States. This infection attacks the lungs, nose, and throat and can be particularly damaging to children since their immune systems are not as strong as healthy adults.

What Can Be Done?

Even though viruses are part of living on planet Earth there are at least a few things that can be done to give your children a better chance of fighting back against the flu. 

Here are some great parenting tips to keep your kids healthy and strong:

• Keep them active -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people between the ages of 18 and 64 engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week. It's much easier for young children to get out and get active -- so make sure they are playing and running around as much as possible. If not, they could be much more susceptible to the flu and similar viruses.
• Stick to a healthy diet -- Eating healthy can significantly improve someone's ability to fight off viruses. If your kids are eating nothing but junk food they won't be able to combat the flu and similar illnesses. Ditch the junk food and start eating healthier!
• Know the symptoms -- Knowing how to identify the signs of the flu is extremely important. Keep an eye out for your children experiencing the following: cough, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. When they're feeling unwell, keep them home to rest and avoid spreading infection.
• Keep is Boiron Oscillococcinum to keep on hand -- Homeopathics have been around for a very long time. Sometimes a virus might require a doctor's treatment and sometimes mild cases can be handled at home, especially when treated early. Consult with a physician when you are unsure. 
• Be sure to read about Carol and Stacy's favorite home remedies.
• Keep yourself and your kids hydrated when feeling ill, on the go, and during hot and cold weather extremes. Most parents have heard about Pedialyte but a go-to favorite of Carol and Stacy's is bone broth. Single-serve bone broth is easy to pack around to your afterschool events, use while traveling, and perfect to sip on at home. All you need is hot water to mix it up in. (Pack a thermos of hot water for your events.)

Good luck and stay healthy!

Devin is a writer and an avid reader. When she isn't lost in a book or writing, she's busy in the kitchen trying to perfect her slow cooker recipes. You can find her poetry published in The Adirondack Review and Cartridge Lit.