How to Prepare Family for Flu Season

Autumn marks the beginning of influenza season and this year the flu will strike us harder than previous years. Not only do we need to prepare for flu season we also have to protect our families the threat of H1N1 flu virus. Overall communities are taking steps to educate their residents, on how to prepare for flu season. Of course, we cannot stop the flu virus, however; we must take the necessary steps to prepare our homes and family for flu season. Here are some tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flu vaccine
• Plan
• Organize home
• Healthy hygiene
• Healthy diet

1. Protect yourself and your family from flu by getting the flu vaccine. Watch for announcements for vaccine clinics in your city or make an appointment with your physician.

2. Plan ahead by speaking to your employer about allotted time off should you or your children become ill. Arrange now for childcare if schools or daycare is closed due to a flu outbreak.

3. Fill your cabinets with seven days of food provision; include fresh fruit and vegetables, ingredients for chicken or vegetable soup, orange juice, re-hydrating fluid, Echinacea, ginger, and yarrow tea, water, paper goods and medicine. If you do become ill, you will need to stay home. This way you will not infect others.

4. Practice good health hygiene by teaching your family how to wash their hands properly. Make sure that all use hot water when washing hands and to lather with soap before rinsing off. With young children, make a game out of washing their hands. Teach by example.

5. Build your immune system by adding berries, fruits and raw vegetables to your diet. Stay active by walking or exercise for thirty minutes daily. Get 8 hours of sleep, control stress and drink eight glasses of water per day. Take a multivitamin that has high C and A nutrients.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an alcohol-based hand cleanser in your purse or pocket to sterilize your hands when needed.
• Avoid persons that appear sick. Walk away from them. If you must past them, cover your mouth and nose.
• Disinfect hard surfaces in your home especially bathroom and kitchen.
• Do not spread flu virus to others by going to work or sending children to school.

Resources

• Boost your immune with fruit

[greatgreat8]

on 11/12/2009 GREAT TIPS, THANKS 5*

[makaksa]

on 10/29/2009 Timely information on preparing family for the flu season.

[jenng]

on 10/29/2009 Great article on How to Prepare Family for Flu Season 5*

[EarthMother]

on 10/19/2009 How to Prepare Family for Flu Season step three is so important. Especially when the caregives get the flu and can't get to the store, they need supplies on hand. Living alone I totally been there. Smile!

[kittykat3]

on 10/18/2009 Great tips, also possibly stay away from places such as the movies, theater, or opera, especially the swine flu. Viruses spread anywhere large groups of people are assembled in a closed space. A sporting event in the open air would be a safer choice. 5*