How to Prevent Flu in Babies
The key to greatly reducing the risk of your baby catching the flu is keeping her away from people who are sick, as well as making sure you stay as healthy as possible. As a parent you are constantly touching your baby, which means if there are any germs on your hands they will transfer to the baby. By making sure you sanitize your hands before touching your baby and taking other small but helpful precautions you can keep your baby healthy during peak flu season.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Get a flu vaccine for yourself. If your baby is under six months old he cannot be vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Receive a vaccine for yourself in order to prevent catching the flu, which decreases the risk of passing it on to your baby.
-
2
Keep her away from sick friends and relatives. Although they may claim to be almost over their illness, germs can easily pass from the sick person to your baby through droplets that are released into the air from coughing or sneezing, or from someone touching his eyes, nose or mouth and coming in contact with your baby, according to the CDC.
-
-
3
Wash your hands frequently. Germs are on every surface, which means you'll need to disinfect your hands often in order to decrease the risk of transmission. Lather your hands with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds, followed by running your hands under warm water. Turn off the faucet with a paper towel or hand towel to avoid contaminating your hands. If soap is not available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer by rubbing the gel onto your hands for 20 seconds.
-
4
Use a surgical mask when handling your baby. If you are sick, put on a surgical mask and wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds to properly disinfect them. According to the CDC, you should wear the mask while feeding, changing or holding your baby until you are within six feet away from your baby.
-
1
