With flu season upon us and reports of virus outbreaks in the news, it is especially important to take the necessary health precautions to keep kids safe. Here are a few tips from the Illinois Department of Public Health on what you can do to help your children stay healthy:
- Have your kids wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of infection. Hand sanitizer should be used if soap and water are not available.
- Keep your kids at home when they are sick. Children should not return to school until they are symptom-free without medication for 24 hours.
- Remind your kids to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away after use.
- All children, especially younger ones, should avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.