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How to Keep Preschoolers Healthy During Flu Season

Influenza is a highly contagious infection that most frequently manifests itself during what doctors refer to as "flu season." In the Northern Hemisphere, flu season ranges from November to March and is one of the most common periods for small children to become sick. Flu symptoms vary but typically include a high fever, headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, vomiting and abdominal pain. Despite the flu's highly contagious nature, there are several steps you can take to keep preschoolers healthy during flu season this year.

Things You'll Need

  • Children's book about health
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Disinfectant spray
  • Soapy water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read a short book about staying healthy, and remind children that staying healthy also helps the other children in the class stay healthy. Explain to your preschoolers that it is important to take steps to stay healthy during flu season.

    • 2

      Encourage preschoolers to wash their hands frequently. Although it might seem like common knowledge, proper hand washing reduces and stops the spread of many germs. Remind children to wash their hands when they first arrive at school, before eating and after using the restroom. Encourage children to sing a short song while they wash their hands to increase the amount of time they spend washing. If a child coughs or sneezes into his hand, ask him to go wash his hands. Carry a small bottle of instant hand sanitizer for situations in which soap and water are not readily available, such as while playing outdoors or on a field trip.

    • 3

      Remind parents to keep sick children at home. One of the simplest ways to keep preschoolers healthy is to minimize their contact with already sick people. If a child is ill, encourage the parent to keep him at home until he feels better as a way to reduce the chances of your other preschoolers getting sick.

    • 4

      Disinfect toys and frequently used common surfaces. Select a disinfect spray or wipes to use on hard surfaces. Wash wooden or plastic toys with hot, soapy water, and periodically wash stuffed animals and soft toys in a washing machine to remove germs.

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