Maintaining a Flu-free Family

Avoiding Crowds

You can help prevent the flu by staying away from shopping malls, movie theaters or other public places during flu season. This will limit your child’s exposure to germs and reduce her odds of becoming sick.

“Avoiding crowded areas was found to be an effective strategy for staying healthy during the 1918 flu pandemic, and it remains a good option today as well,” Dr. Elward says. “Because flu germs can spread through the air, being in close proximity to large crowds is one way that many children are exposed to the virus.”

Powerful Prevention Tips

As your family prepares for flu season, you can take small steps to prevent the virus from entering your home. For example, removing your shoes at the door before walking inside will prevent you and your children from leaving a trail of germs on the floor, where kids often crawl or play. In addition, regularly clean surfaces in your home, including light switches, door handles and the telephone.

Make sure each member of your family has his or her own towel and washcloth. You also may consider purchasing fun, colorful drinking straws for everyone in your family. Children love them, and by giving every family member a different color straw, you can help prevent the spread of germs caused by sharing glasses.

“Encouraging your children not to share food at school can keep them from being exposed to the flu as well,” 
Dr. Elward says. “Ultimately, good health habits that should be observed year-round—not just during flu season—can help keep your family healthy.”

“No matter what other flu prevention methods families use, I strongly recommend getting the flu vaccination. In most cases, the vaccine is 90 percent effective in preventing the flu. It doesn’t prevent every cold or respiratory infection, but it does give your child a strong first line of defense against the virus.”

—Alexis Elward, MD, MPH, pediatric infectious disease specialist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital