Tips To Protect Your Family From Cold & Flu

We went from hot blustering weather to cool and damp fall. It is a breeding ground for the cold and flu season. What makes it worse, is the kids also pick up viruses from school and play dates. I don't know about you, but the snotty noses of little ones, especially when they sneeze it on you, makes my stomach weak! I try to prevent these common viruses in my family whenever possible. I came up with a list of tips that I would like to share with you.

Here are my top tips for protecting your family from the cold and flu bug:

*Stock up on tissue and keep the travel packs on you at all times. Get the travel packs or small boxes to keep in your purse, car, diaper bag, etc. so it can be used to cover those sneezes, coughs, and to catch those runny noses. It helps minimize the spread of virus among each other and far more sanitary then a sleeve or worse yet, a bare hand.

*Regularly sanitize household items that get touched frequently such as doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and phones. I like to do this a few times a week, Lysol carries a good variety of products to use such as sprays or cleaners, and it is very effective at killing the common flu virus. You can use whatever preferred disinfectant you like.

*Wash bedding and towels in hot water. I will also use the recommended amount of bleach for load size to disinfect non-color items. Dry all towels completely to avoid a damp environment.

*Teach your family to wash their hands before eating and after playing outside. Our hands are the transporters of germs and virus. If you are unable to wash hands traditionally (sink and water) then keep hand sanitizer with you. There are many types that are easy to use and kid friendly. I like the individual hand wipes.

*Don't allow your kids to share drinks or eat with the same utensils. This goes for adults too. We may not show signs of a cold or flu but we may be a carrier of germs and could pass it on to the next person.

*Get adequate nutrition and sleep. A healthy immune system is needed to fight off those pesky germs so get a good nights rest and eat a well balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.

*Teach your kids to cough in the crook of their elbow. You are less likely to spread germs than if you cough in your hands (and wipe on your shirt or pants).

*We love to kiss and love on our family, but if you have been around a sick person or your kids have recently been sick - it may be best to leave kisses on the forehead and cheeks temporarily.

I try to avoid sick people all together, but it isn't always possible. The kids still have to go to school and some of us still have to go to work. Practicing healthy habits like covering our coughs, using tissues, and washing hands can go a long way in protecting your family and yourself from the cold and flu. Take time to make your living and work environment healthy also. Find out more about Lysol's Mission For Health program and learn more about Lysol's family of products here.

** Pleas note: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Lysol blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”