HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD'S COLD

Wash your hands early and often!¹
Germ-free hands are the key to prevention.² Limit your under-the-weather child’s germ-spreading by encouraging frequent hand washing. Whenever your child sniffles, sneezes, coughs, blows his or her nose, or goes to the bathroom, remind him or her that washing hands with soap and water can help protect the family. Also, encourage the rest of the family to wash their hands often, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.

For additional tips on fighting germs, the CDC offers the “An Ounce of Prevention” brochure.

Disinfect surfaces³
Wiping down shared surfaces, such as computer keyboards, phones, door handles, staircase railings, countertops, and TV remotes, with antibacterial wipes can kill flu germs. Keep containers of wipes around your home and remind your family to “clean it before you use it” if they are well and “clean it after you use it” if they are sick to prevent sharing and spreading germs.

Love ’em and let ’em be⁴
Your sniffling child needs rest to help recover from cold and flu symptoms. Encourage him or her to go to bed early and remind your family to give him or her more space. Make it more fun by serving “breakfast in bed” and letting your child play with special toys or watch his or her favorite shows and movies.