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Step 1
Ways to prevent a cold or flu ....
Wash hands - Washing your hands often is the best way to prevent the spread of contagious germs.
Don't share utensils, drinks, etc. - Never share items that go in our month with others who are sick, or with anyone. Even if someone does not appear to be sick, they can have the virus festering in them. It can take a few days for the symptoms to start, all the while you or the other person is contagious.
Healthy diet - Eating a well balanced diet can help improve and strengthen your immune system. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. -
Step 2
Healthy lifestyle - Being physically active helps your body be in shape and at the same time strengthens your immune system.
Keep your home clean - Clean commonly touched places around the home clean and as germ free as possible. Do not forget light switches, door knobs, counter tops, toilet flush lever, etc. After wiping these areas down you may also want to spray a disinfectant spray like Lysol on it, especially when someone in the home is sick.
Clean daycare's - If your children attend daycare make sure it is a clean environment. Also ask them what their rules are about sick children staying home. -
Step 3
Sleep - Sleep well every day! It is vital to get a good nights sleep every night to allow our bodies to recover from the day and stay strong.
Immunizations - Make sure your children are up to date on all their immunizations, it is important for their well being.
No secondhand smoke - We all know how awful secondhand smoke is, but it can also make you more submittable to catching viruses. -
Step 4
Ways to manage a cold or flu ....
Fluids - Get plenty of fluids when you have either the cold or the flu. Avoid milk and caffeinated drinks, opt for water the most, or juices like Gatorade.
Soup - Chicken soup really is like penicillin, it is a great way to get rid of congestion.
Rest - It is important get plenty of rest to help yor body recover. -
Step 5
Humidifier - Using a humidifier can help you sleep better, relieve congestion, and helps control coughing.
Salt water - Gargling with salt water a few times a day can help alleviate a sore or irritated throat.
Warm lemon/honey water - This combination can help alleviate and coat a sore or irritated throat, however never give a child under one honey!
Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing - Doing this will help control the spread of the virus. -
Step 6
Saline nose drops/sprays - You can buy these products over the counter and they can really help with congestion. There are many different name brands, symptoms controls and strengths available so read the labels and choose one best for your needs.
Warm shower - Taking a warm shower can help ease congestion due to the steam.
Ibuprofen - Take ibuprofen to help with a fever, aches or pains due to the cold or flu. -
Step 7
Other then the above listed things to help manage a cold or flu, there really is not much you can do but wait it out. It has even been said that over the counter medications are not recommended for children because they really do not help, due to potential side effects. Although ibuprofen can help ease the discomfort of aches, pains and fever. Again antibiotics will not help with the cold or the flu because the they are both viruses and Antibiotics are used to treat bacteria not viruses. Many doctors prescribe antibiotics, but it can be a bad thing. You or your child can become immune to the effects of antibiotics, so only use it if your doctor thinks it is really necessary.
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Step 8
The flu comes on stronger and faster then the common cold. Typically the flu will last for around a week, but could be longer. With a cold you will normally start to feel the symptoms two or three days after you come in contact with the virus. It will also last from just a few days to up to two weeks. Both the cold and the flu are very contagious and there are many different ways to come in contact with the virus. You can catch it by being near someone who has the virus, touching something contaminated with the virus, or it can just be airborne.
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Step 9
If you notice any of the following symptoms see your doctor right away.
High fever which lasts for more then 24 hours (above 103 degrees)
Having trouble breathing
Earaches
Nagging sore throat (hurts more then a normal sore throat)
Stomach pains
Chest pains
Not being able to keep food or drinks in your body
Coughing up a lot of mucus
Swollen neck glands
