Cold and flu season seems to sneak up on us every year. It’s an icky time of year for our family, when all of us get sick at least once. Since I’m usually the one playing nurse, I tend to get sick more than a couple times.
Unfortunately, you can’t stop cold and flu season or the sneaky viruses that causes it. There’s a good chance that you won’t get out completely unscathed, especially if you have small children in school. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare and make it a little easier.
1. Get Your Flu Shots
Now is the time to schedule appointments to get your flu shots. Flu shots won’t guarantee that you won’t get sick, but they can lower your chances of it. If you’re unable to get a flu shot from your doctor, you can also get a flu shot at most drug stores, like CVS and Walgreens.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
The beginning of cold and flu season is also a good time of year to remind the kids of good hygiene practices. Make sure they’re washing their hands frequently and properly. You should also supply them with small packs of tissues to cover coughs and sneezes.
3. Boost Your Immune System
Try to stay as healthy as possible to give your immune system a boost and lessen your chances of getting sick. Eat right and drink plenty of fluids to stay in tip top shape. Taking zinc and vitamin C can also help give your immune system a boost and shorten the duration of a cold or flu if you do get sick.
4. Have Meals Prepared
In anticipation of cold and flu season, I always try to put together a few extra freezer meals. If you do get sick, it’s nice to have dinner ready to be reheated. Just make sure you include reheating instructions, in case someone else has to make dinner.
5. Make a Plan for Sick Days
Nearly everyone has to take a sick day during cold and flu season, whether it’s your kids, yourself, or your spouse. Plan ahead for sick days to eliminate some of the stress and hassle. Having some options for a last-minute on-call babysitter when your kids have to stay home will be extremely helpful for days you have to work.
