Preventing Colds and Influenza(Flu)

Cold and influenza season is here. As the weather gets cooler and we move indoors, so do germs. Children need reminders to decrease the risk of colds and flu at school and home.

To help limit the spread of germs, please keep your child home from school and activities if they are feverish, coughing a lot, have thick yellow or green discharge from the nose, or are otherwise unwell.

Remember:

• Wash hands often- for smaller children, this may be easier/more fun to do by singing a song while washing
• Cough and sneeze into the elbow 
• Keep hands away from nose and mouth 
• Don't share food or drink with others 
• Don't share facecloths or towels

Also:

• Viruses cause colds and influenza
• Antibiotics will not make a cold or other virus go away faster
• The most effective treatment for a cold is rest and fluids 
• The influenza vaccine will protect against specific types of influenza 
• Call your doctor if your child has an earache, fever higher than 39 C (102 F), rash, is very sleepy or difficult to wake, very cranky or fussy, has trouble breathing or a cough that will not go away 
• Handwashing is the most effective way to stop the spread of germs that cause colds, influenza, diarrhea, and other illnesses
• Wash hands, before and after eating or handling food, after using the toilet, handling pets, coughing, sneezing, or wiping noses 

For more information: 

• Your local Public Health Unit 
• HealthLinkBC or dial 8-1-1 (a free call) 
• Your doctor