Tis the season, for coughing, sneezing, runny noses, tummy aches and any other kind of germ your kids can drag home.
It’s no fun to be sick for the holidays but in my house it seems like someone always is. Maybe it’s because we are spending more time in crowded shopping centers and malls, maybe it’s because we are exposed to more germs at all the holiday parties we attend or maybe germs just like us better during the holidays.
Whatever the reason, we need to do what we can to fend off illness so everyone can enjoy the holidays. Some of the most important steps for a healthy holiday season are getting a flu shot, practicing good hygiene, eating healthy and getting a good night’s sleep.
If anyone in your family runs a fever they should not return to school or work until 24 hours after the fever has passed to keep from spreading the germs.
Teach your children to sneeze into their elbow or upper sleeve instead of their hands. Make sure everyone washes their hands for at least 20 seconds after sneezing, coughing or using the restroom. One way to ensure children wash long enough is to sing the alphabet song while they scrub away.
Once germs have invaded your home it will take a little elbow grease to get rid of them. I use vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle or bucket and wipe everything down, including doorknobs and light switches.
If you have small children their toys should be cleaned often to get rid of germs. Don’t forget tub toys and plenty of bacteria can grow in the bathroom.
After anyone in the house is sick make a point to wipe everything down and replace all toothbrushes. Lots of bacteria can live in your toothbrush so it’s important to change them after and illness.
It’s not easy to keep everyone healthy at this time of year but if you can manage, it will be well worth the effort.