Tips for fighting germs

This cold and flu season seems to be hanging on forever with folks suffering from coughs that have lasted for weeks, congestion that seems never ending and flu symptoms that come and go what feels like every other day.

Its been the same for kids, too, passing illness around and around the classroom.

Kids actually catch about eight colds each year, and with everything from sharing school supplies to toys, its no wonder parents feel like their kids are constantly sick. All it takes is one third grader to come home with a bug and the next thing you know, the entire family is under the weather.

There are ways to slow down the spread of germs, however, and the first step is to make sure everyone in your family, adults included, are washing their hands frequently throughout the day.

Proper hand washing uses warm, soapy water, rubbing vigorously for at least 20 seconds.

But how do you get children who can’t tell time yet to wash for the whole 20 seconds? Well, pediatricians suggest having them sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice before rinsing off.

Everyone should avoid eating, touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands first. Germs transfer by contact and multiply quickly when they come into contact with warm, damp surfaces such as the eyes or mouth.

Children should be taught early to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when couging or sneezing. They should also be reminded to toss the tissue away and wash their hands so no one else picks up the germs from tissues lying around.

If tissues aren’t readily available, sneezing or coughing into their sleeve or the crook of their elbow will work in a pinch.

At home, in addition to hand washing, surfaces should be sanitized with disinfectant sprays or wipes. Don’t forget things like doorknobs, light switches and computer keyboards that the entire family may come in contact with.

Don’t forget those soft surfaces, too, like a favorite stuffed animal and backpacks. Both can be a breeding ground for germs if not washed or disinfected on a regular basis.

One of the best things you can do to stop illness in its tracks is to keep your child home if they are ill. The same goes for parents who should stay home from work if at all possible.