Cold and flu season are right around the corner, and for parents of some special needs children, it’s a season we particularly dread. Our kids frequently have underlying medical conditions that can make even the most typical of childhood illnesses anything but child’s play.
This season is of special concern with the emergence of the novel H1N1 virus, commonly known as the Swine Flu. H1N1 is expected to infect up to 40 percent of the population this flu season, which is double the usual number of expected cases of seasonal flu. And unlike the seasonal flu that normally targets the very young and very old, school age children and young adults seem to be the most susceptible to developing serious complications from this virus.
What can you do to protect your family against H1N1 and seasonal flu this year?
Hand washing, of course, is the most important step in cutting down transmission of germs. But no matter how diligently you try, it isn’t always easy to get kids to comply with proper hygiene when they’re away at school, or out with friends. This is especially true of children with special needs, and younger children who are less aware of the importance of germ prevention.
This year, consider purchasing a long lasting hand cleanser that will continue to fight against germs when hand washing is inconvenient or unlikely.
Cleansers containing at least 4 percent of the active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), bond to the skin and kill viruses on contact up to six hours after application. Clean your child’s hands on his way out the door, and they’ll have extra protection well into the school day, whether they remember to wash their hands later or not.
You can find CHG in two over the counter drugstore brands, including Hibiclens skin cleanser and Hibistat individual wipes. Both have been tested and found effective against the current strain of H1N1.
While it’s impossible to totally eliminate the risk of illness, eating right, getting the proper amount of sleep, and taking basic hygiene precautions may help increase your odds of staying healthy.