It may still feel warm in Memphis and Jackson, but cold and flu season is just around the corner. Flu activity typically increases during the fall and winter and can continue into the spring, often peaking between December and February.
Taking a few simple steps now can help protect your family and reduce the spread of illness at home, school and work.
Get Your Flu Vaccine
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its potentially serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that most people 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every season.
Because protection takes time to develop, families should make a vaccination plan before flu activity begins to increase. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the vaccines recommended for you and your children.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Good hand hygiene is one of the easiest ways to help stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
- Before preparing or eating food
- After using the bathroom
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
- After returning home from school, work or another public place
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
When soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Parents can help young children develop good handwashing habits by making handwashing part of their daily routines.
Teach Children Healthy Habits
Children can spread germs quickly in classrooms, daycare centers and playgrounds. Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow rather than their hands.
Remind children not to share drinks, eating utensils or other items that touch their mouths. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones, tablets, toys and countertops, can also help reduce the spread of germs.
Keep Sick Children Home
If your child is sick, keeping them home can help protect classmates, teachers and other families. Encourage your child to get plenty of rest and drink fluids while recovering.
Families should keep basic supplies available, including tissues, soap, hand sanitizer and a thermometer. Check the expiration dates on medications and ask a doctor or pharmacist which over-the-counter medicines are safe and appropriate for your child. Never give aspirin to a child or teenager with flu-like symptoms unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Know When to Seek Medical Care
Many colds and mild cases of the flu can be managed at home, but some illnesses can become serious. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, continue to worsen or do not improve.
Parents should seek medical guidance promptly for young children with concerning symptoms. Older adults, pregnant women and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems or other ongoing health conditions should contact a healthcare professional early when flu symptoms develop.
Call 911 or seek emergency care for symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face, dehydration, seizures, or an inability to wake or remain alert.
Make an Appointment
Christ Community Health Services is here to help your family prepare for cold and flu season. Our doctors can provide flu vaccinations, evaluate symptoms and answer your questions about protecting your family.
To make an appointment:
Memphis: Call (901) 842-3160
Jackson: Call (731) 540-0330
