Seasonal Flu Resource Center Blog
Tips for Talking to Your Kids about the Flu
You can’t be with your kids all the time. So, as they go off to school this fall, it is important you prepare them with the knowledge of how to help protect themselves from the flu.
The Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) is a great resource for creating talking points to chat with your kids about the upcoming flu season. Prevention is the key to helping your child stay healthy and safe during the flu season. Some tips from the CNMC include:
- Find out what they know
- Asking the question of what they know about the flu is the first step
- Explain the facts
- Explain how the flu is spread
- Explain what the flu is
- Explain where they can catch the flu
- Explain how doctors and nurses are there to help
- Talk about hygiene
- Teach your children to wash their hands using soap and water for 20 seconds or more
- Provide them with a small portable hand sanitizer and explain when to use it
- Teach your children to cough and sneeze into their elbow or tissue like Elmo
- Teach them that it is important to talk to you when they are feeling ill to help keep everyone healthy
- Talk to them about the importance of getting vaccinated
- Explain how a vaccine works
- Tell your child how millions of people get vaccinated and how it keeps everyone safe
- If your child gets sick
- It is important to explain the recovery process and how long it takes
- Tell them why you are taking their temperature and giving them medicine
Finally, the two most important tips are to stay informed and lead by example. Don’t just tell your child how to stay healthy, but show them by getting your flu shot and using the proper coughing and sneezing techniques.
about friends getting sick can be a scary time for children. Help them stay informed and let them know that chances of getting sick are minimized if you are prepared.
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