The bad news? Cold and flu season is here. The good news? By instilling some good health habits, you and your family can help stop the spread of germs!
While the flu can affect anyone, it tends to hit the very young and the very old the hardest. For those with little ones or grandparents in the home, here’s how you can take action to fight the flu this season:
Wash your hands -- thoroughly! While this seems obvious, a quick rinse isn’t going to kill germs. To completely rid a virus from your skin, you must wash your hands in warm water with soap for 20 seconds or more. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands and between your fingers well -- try singing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice to meet the required length of time.
Avoid close contact. Try to keep your distance from others that may be sick. If you do come in close contact, be sure to wash your hands and avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, as this is an easy way to spread unwanted germs.
Keep a healthy lifestyle. The healthier you are, the better your body is at defending the cold or flu! Be sure your family gets enough sleep, eats plenty of nutritious foods, and drinks lots of fluids!
Practice proper oral heath habits. Before and after brushing, be sure to wash your hands to prevent bacteria from entering your mouth. Also, never share your toothbrush with other family members and store all brushes separately to prevent airborne bacteria hoping from one brush to the next!
If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health, give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three convenient Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook for updates and industry news!
Just last month, more than 100 students were kept out of the Levittown school district with the flu (or flu like symptoms). And according to the below News 12 report earlier this week - experts say this just may be the beginning.
As the flu bug continues to ramp up on LI, we have some tips to help protect you and your kids this season:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand rub
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth - germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touched at home, work, or school - especially when someone is ill
- Store your toothbrush in a place where it can dry without touching other brushes - this prevents airborne bacteria from hoping from one brush to the next
- Also, get a new brush at the start of an illness and replace it after the cold or flu has run its course
If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health - give any of our offices a call. Adelberg
Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We
specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring
environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an
appointment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!
