Natural Flu Protection for Infants and Toddlers
Avoiding the H1N1 Virus for Family With Young Children
Oct 23, 2009
With flu season approaching, many parents of infants and toddlers are concerned about protecting their children from the H1N1 virus, or the Swine Flu. With a limited number of vaccines available, and many parents concerned about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine, parents are looking for natural ways to protect their families during the flu season.
Practice Good Hand Washing Habits
Hand washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. Parents and caregivers should wash hands frequently throughout the day, especially after returning home from a public place or touching their face. Older siblings and other children who enter the home should be encouraged to wash their hands immediately upon walking into the home to limit the number of germs that are brought into the home.
Infants and toddlers frequently put their hands in their mouths (and toys or other objects that could potentially spread the flu virus) and while it is not practically for them to wash their hands before they put their hands in their mouth, it is important that parents wash their child’s hands on a regular basis. Many parents who practice good hand washing habits themselves may not think about washing their infant’s hands, especially if they have a younger infant, but washing a baby’s hands regularly throughout the day can help minimize the number of germs on infant has on his hands from touching objects around the home and objects in public places.
Avoid Going to the Doctors Office Unless Necessary
One of the unfortunate side effects of cold and flu season is that a trip to the doctor, even for a well child checkup, can often help contribute to the spread of the H1N1 virus by exposing healthy children to the flu virus during their visit to the doctor’s office. Parents of young children should try and schedule well child visits either before the flu season starts or after it ends. If that is not possible, scheduling doctor’s appointments during the times when the doctor’s office is slower may help limit the contact children have with individuals infected with the H1N1 virus.
Keep infants and toddlers off the floor at the doctor’s office and bring toys at home for them to play with rather than playing with toys available at the doctor’s office. Parents and children should wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the doctor’s office and after returning home and should be sure and speak up if they don’t see their doctors or nurses wash or sanitize their hands before providing care.
Keeping the Home Germ-Free
Surfaces in the home should be cleaned and sanitized daily to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Toys should be sanitized at least weekly. Many parents find it easier to pack away half their infant’s toys during cold and flu season so they have fewer toys to sanitize. Toys can be rotated on a regular basis to prevent boredom. Stuffed animals should be washed in hot water often or kept out of the reach of infants and toddlers. Remove shoes in the home to avoid bringing in germs and bacteria into the home and onto the carpets where infants play. Carpets should be vacuumed daily and hard floor surfaces should be washed often, especially in high traffic areas.
Staying Healthy in Public Places
Public places such as grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and other places people gather are highly likely to contribute to the spread of the H1N1 virus. Young children (ages 6 months and younger) or children with pre-existing health conditions should be kept home as much as possible during flu season. Parents should use care when touching door handles and may want to carry hand sanitizer with them. Many stores provide sanitizing wipes to wipe down shopping carts before use. Shopping cart covers can be very helpful when shopping with young children but parents should be sure and wash them frequently at home.
The H1N1 virus often causes symptoms no worse than seasonal flu but prevention is always the best course of action with protecting infants and toddlers from possible complications from the flu. Whether or not parents decide to get the H1N1 vaccine for their children, natural flu prevention methods can help keep infants and toddlers healthy during the flu season.
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