Tips for the cold and flu season:

One of the best ways to prevent a cold or the flu is to wash your hands frequently, especially before meals.  Also, keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose. Ordinary soap is sufficient, however, a recent study suggests that common liquid dishwashing soaps are up to 100 times more effective in killing RSV. 

Some other suggestions include:
-Encourage everyone to cover sneezes and coughs
-Avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils
-Get plenty of rest and exercise
-Maintain a healthy diet
-Reduce stress

When your student has a fever keep them home.  During the first days of illness when systems are most severe and the infection is most contagious students should stay home.  Students can return to school when symptoms are improving and no fever has been detected for 24 hours.

One study found the more social interactions a person had, the less likely he/she is to have a cold.  This is possibly because stress hormones, which suppress the immune system, are reduced.

What if the “flu bug bites?”
Drink plenty of water and fluids - your body needs extra fluids when you have a fever.  Also, extra fluids help keep the mucous more liquid, which can prevent ear infections and bronchitis.

Take a pain reliever - Aspirin should be avoided in children and adolescents because of the link with Reyes Syndrome.  (A hidden source of aspirin that is commonly overlooked is Pepto Bismol).

Get plenty of rest.

Invest in a new toothbrush - Changing your toothbrush after an illness has been found to prevent you from catching the same illness again or prolonging your illness.

Always call your MD for any questions or concerns.