Tips for staying healthy this cold and flu season #MC
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for MedImmune Specialty Care. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
Three years ago, I got the flu. It was terrible. It actually put me in the emergency room with dehydration (I was coughing so hard I was actually throwing up) and tachycardia. It was the worst sickness I think I’ve ever had.
Because of that, we get flu shots/vaccines every year for everybody in the family. This year, because I’m pregnant, it was even more important to me to protect our newest little one. And I was lucky enough to find a place that does preservative free vaccines.
Of course, there have been some colds around the house. Especially poor little E. I know she’s building her immune system as this is her first year around a lot of other kids at Mother’s Morning Out. But, she’s been pretty miserable twice in less than a month.
Today, she’s feeling slightly better, but still not quite herself.
Fortunately, the rest of the house has remained illness-free (knocking on wood, saying a prayer and everything else that I don’t jinx us). We’ve been emphasizing washing hands (for the length of ‘happy birthday’ twice) with soap and water and really scrubbing them. We’ve also been making sure we sneeze into our elbow, or better yet a tissues if we can find one in time. And, of course, we have flu shots either done or scheduled for everybody else in the family. I also remind family that will be visiting that they need to scoop up their flu shots, too. I don’t want them visiting baby B and bringing the flu with them.
Check out Elizabeth Pantley’s ebooklet, “A Parent’s Guide to Flu Season” for more useful information and tips about the flu and how to prevent it in your house.
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Please be respectful of our choice to vaccinate and get the flu shot. Because it’s just that, a choice. And, we make ours after careful research and consideration.
We have gotten our flu shots, but I am still so worried about catching a bad cold this season. Thanks for the info!
Sometimes a bad cold is just as bad.
These are all great tips, except htat flu shots are not for eeyrone because of the side effects and minimal evidence base (ie. they’re not proven to be very effective). I read in a women’s magazine that vitamin D can lessen the risk of flu (1,000-5,000 IU/day) so I wanted to share that tip with you.
I’m still wishy washy about the flu shot. I use to get it when I was a teacher but I have become very lax about getting it. Maybe it’s something to consider this year – because who has time to be sick when you have kids?
Yep, that’s why I did it:)
Thank you for sharing these tips! With 3 kids, I want to make sure we stay healthy this winter season!
When my sister-in-law had my niece she managed to time it so that she was a few months old and wanting to be held by everyone when the holidays hit. Which of course freaked out my SIL because the last thing she wanted was people with germy hands handling the baby. Our solution was a hand washing station and a big ole bottle of Germ-X 😉
great tips – we always get our flu shots!
I’ve only had the flu once in my life but it knocked me off my feet for almost an entire week! I don’t blame you at all for getting flu shots. The flu sucks!
Oh yeah….it was brutal.
Thankfully, none of us has battled the flu. The past couple weeks have been filled with everyone exchanging a cold though. We really promote thorough handwashing around here too!
We have had flu shots in the past. However,when I was in the AF, I met a man who was being discharged – because he had had a ‘bad’ flu shot. That has remained in my mind forever. He was basically – dying. I know the flu is hard and bad, but I pray between getting it and not getting it. We use essential oils in our home and so far, those have really helped us stay clear of the nasty bugs going around – on top of homeschooling and just staying away from public bathrooms and water fountains.
ugh! It’s so hard to see your little one sick, isn’t it? I would way rather be sick myself than see them suffer.
I got my flu shot this year and I’m right alongside you on sneezing into my elbow and washing hands thoroughly!
Sick kids are no good! I don’t get a flu shot but plan to be very cautious this cold and flu season since we have a new baby in the house.
Thanks for sharing these tips, hoping for a healthy season.. will definitely be following these!
Poor baby! Her and Peanut are just going to be sick all winter long I swear!
I sure hope not!
aww she looks so sad, i have to get mine tomorrow!
we don’t do flu shots, but i feel its a personal decision made by adults in a house and based on their situation- and therefore, not one bit my business. i make educated decisions based on my own research and comfort level. i know most people do the same. not my kid, not my business.
We just got out flu shots the other day, thank goodness!
It was great for you to share these tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season. Often in families, when one person gets sick it travels back and forth throughout the family for months in part because they are not following your tips.
We all got our shots this week, a little later than usual. I got my FIRST flu last year in March. Type A, and all my doctors were flabbergasted. I was chastised for driving myself to the doc’s office with a 106 fever…. 🙂
I drove myself to the doctor and I was at like 104…..and my heartrate was at like 170! they wouldn’t let me leave urgent care and drive myself to the hospital…and I refused an ambulance, so I had to call a friend to come get me.
Thanks for the health tips. We have gotten our flu shots, but there are still nasty colds to worry about. Best tip hand washing. I tell my kids during these months wash your hand hourly. There are germies everywhere.
Yes they are..and the kids are the worst at sharing them!
I’ve never personally got the flu shot (at least not that I ever remember, I may have when I was quite little) and have made it through just fine, but I do take care to wash my hands and use hand sanitizer, especially after being in public places and touching things that everyone else has had their germy hands all over, haha. I also quarantine myself when I’m sick at home because I don’t think it’s fair to go risk other people’s health by coughing and sneezing all over the world when I could just take a couple days of rest and get over the sickness. 🙂
When I was in the Army they gave me so many shots! I trust that you made the best choice…I may not understand everything…but I think we all want the best for our families.
Definitely going to check out the guide – anything I can do to avoid the dreaded flu this flu season!!!
We have been fighting sickies ever since school started. My littlest has been getting sick left and right.
Thanks for the tips!! Hoping your little one is feeling better!!
Great tips! I always wash my hands the first thing through the door after being out shopping.
I’ve never done the flu shot but if I get sick, I just stay home
Great infographic and tips! I hope your little one feels better soon.