Bug Off Flu

We’ve already heard a lot about the flu this season. Perhaps your parents have talked
to you about making sure you wash your hands a lot. Or maybe you’ve noticed your
teacher doing an extra good job at keeping your classroom clean. That’s because they
are all trying to keep you healthy. There are different kinds of flu and some are more
serious than others. But they all can make you feel pretty lousy with symptoms like
fevers, chills, headaches and even vomiting. Yuck! Getting sick is, unfortunately, a part of being a kid. There are some things you can do though to keep the flu away. Read on!

Wash your hands. This is probably the most important tip to keeping yourself and others free from the flu. Wash your hands often and always before eating, after playing outside, blowing your nose and going to the bathroom. Use warm water and soap, wash for about two minutes, which is about as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song. Don’t forget to wash your wrists and between your fingers.

Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Eating healthy foods boosts your immunity, which is your body’s natural way of fighting off illness. Foods like carrots, strawberries, green beans and oranges are great choices. Try to eat 4 to 5 servings of fruits and veggies each day.

Exercise. Getting exercise can also help your immunity so make sure you are getting some sort of exercise every day. Sledding, hiking and indoor sports can be great choices during the winter. Even more fun, invite your friends and family to join you!

Get enough sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep it makes us more likely to catch the flu. So make sure you’re getting enough sleep, which is around 8 to 10 hours a day for kids your age.

Sneeze into your elbow. When someone with the flu sneezes or coughs, their germs can be spread to others through the air. That’s why it’s best to sneeze and cough into your elbow or a tissue where the germs are trapped and less likely to travel to your friend. This also helps to keep germs off your hands.

Following these simple tips will hopefully keep you and your friends and family healthy and feeling good!