We are in the middle of the worst flu season since 2009 in terms of people infected, hospitalizations, and deaths, but experts struggle to determine why we are being hit so hard. With the large number of little humans we have inhabiting our apartment community, the Adams Crossing management team feels it’s important take every possible preventative measure to reduce the spread the virus and encourages you to do the same.
Signs & Symptoms of the Flu
Identifying early signs of the flu in your children is critical in treating their illness. If you notice that your child has stopped drinking, tires more easily than normal, and get short of breath from mild physical exertion, call their primary care physician right away.
Once the flu has set in, they will begin experiencing any combination of the following symptoms:
- Even more fatigue
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Aches and pains in muscles
- Cough and sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
Flu Prevention
Vaccine
The stakes are too high to make excuses. Take your children to one of these locations in Waldorf offering flu vaccines immediately, and get one for yourself too. The flu can still be contracted even after getting the vaccine, so it’s important to minimize your children’s contact with the illness as much as possible.
Flu vaccines are typically 60% effective, but this year’s vaccine only has a 30% effectiveness rate. However, the vaccine helps control the severity of the illness if you or your child does indeed catch it after receiving the shot.
Wash Hands
Make sure you and your kids are religiously your washing hands immediately after getting home, before preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom, and after you have come into contact with someone who may be infected. Send antibacterial hand cleanser or wipes with your children to school and put a few extra in their lunch boxes.
Plenty of Sleep
Sticking to a regular sleep schedule helps your body fend off the flu. When you’re sleep deprived, your immunity is down and you are more susceptible to the virus. Aim for 8 hours of sleep for yourself and 10 hours for your children.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated also improves your chances of remaining healthy. Carry a water bottle with you and send them with you kids. Just remember to sanitize your hands after refilling at the water fountain and to wash the water bottles every night.
Good Hygiene Habits
Encourage your children to cough and sneeze into their elbows to contain the germs and avoid getting the germs on their hands. Also, small children especially have a habit of putting their hands in and around their mouths. Discourage this behavior when possible.
While there is no guarantee that you or your children won’t become infected with this year’s tenacious flu virus, these tips will reduce the likelihood. From the Adams Crossing management team, stay healthy out there!
Located in Waldorf, MD, Adams Crossing offers affordable luxury apartments ranging from two to three bedrooms. Haven’t taken a tour of Adam’s Crossing yet? Schedule a tour with one of our property managers and check out the second phase of our development, Adam’s II.
