We've tackled how to avoid getting sick, how to make your kids feel better when they do get sick, and now we're figuring out how to avoid spreading the germs. The only thing worse than having one sick child, is having it spread to the whole family.
Included below are some tips from Dr. Arlene King, the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario to help all those moms out there who are trying to keep their families healthy while also caring for a sick family member:
- Introduce a hand washing regime! Make sure your family members wash their hands frequently to avoid getting sick. Everyone should wash up before eating and after using the restroom, coughing and blowing their noses.
- Put a temporary hold on “sharing”. Try to prevent those who are sick from sharing utensils (e.g., cups or straws) or towels with healthy family members and keep toothbrushes separately.
- Early to bed! Ensure your family gets enough sleep to help fight off the flu. Keep surfaces clean and disinfected – particularly those popular surfaces in the house that get touched by the whole family – i.e. door knobs, counters, phones, toys, remote controls, video games, etc.
- A little distance isn’t always a bad thing. Consider having your sick family member sleep in a room away from the rest of the family to help prevent the spread of the flu. If kids share a room, temporarily have one child sleep in a separate room to help limit spread in close quarters.
- Avoid having company over to your house, and stay home when you are sick. You may have parties and gatherings to attend over the coming months – but don’t risk getting them sick as well.
Dr. Arlene King is the Chief Medical Officer of Health at the Ontario Ministry of Health. She is an internationally recognized expert in immunization, infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness. To read more, visit www.mph.gov.on.ca.
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