While anyone is at risk of contracting the flu, especially in the overactive flu seasons of recent years, it's children who are most susceptible to potentially serious complications. Given that many young kids spend part of their days in day care or preschool, there are ample opportunities for contracting and spreading the flu virus. Here are a few tips for preventing the spread and keeping your child safe.

How to Keep Kids From Spreading the Flu

1. Keep Your Child Home

The best way to stop the spread of the flu is to keep your child home from day care, preschool, and all other activities until they are fever-free (without medication) for at least 24 hours. While social isolation can be hard, there are things you can do to pass the time and make the experience easier: play games, do puzzles, color in coloring books, make arts and crafts, or watch favorite movies together, just to name a few options. Be sure to keep the sick child away from infants, older folks, and any immunocompromised people in the home.

2. Teach Good Hand Hygiene

Good hand hygiene minimizes the risk of spreading the influenza virus. It is especially important for kids, as little ones often touch other people and things and then touch their own eyes, noses, and mouths. Teach your child to be mindful of this habit and to wash their hands thoroughly throughout the day, whether they're at home, day care, preschool, or a friend's house. They should use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds—that's two rounds of the "Happy Birthday" song.

3. Schedule a Flu Shot

The flu shot is the most effective option for preventing your child from getting the flu and spreading it to others. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all children 6 months of age and older get their flu shot each year. If your child doesn't like needles and is over 2 years old, they can get the vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. The flu vaccine builds up immunity to keep your child—and the entire community—safer and healthier.

A Rising Star Children's Center is invested in the health and well-being of every child. For over 20 years, they have been providing child care and preschool programs for kids throughout Croton-on-Hudson, NY. They serve children from infancy through school age, ensuring a safe, fun, and enriching experience. Call (914) 862-4283 to enroll, or visit them online to browse their programs.