5 Tips for Protecting Your Family From the Flu During the Holidays
Austin, TX (PRWEB) November 15, 2013 -- By getting your family vaccinated early in the flu season, you can reduce the chance of illness running through your house during the holidays and protect your kids from bringing the virus home from school.
Yet, every year, many parents don’t believe that a flu vaccination is necessary to protect their child from the flu. In fact, they couldn’t be more wrong. It is proven that the vaccine saves lives and protects from the virus regardless of the common misconceptions and myths about the flu.
"While getting the flu vaccine is the most important thing you can do to protect your family from the flu, other viruses can also ruin your family fun," says Dr. Katalenas. She recommends practicing the following hand-washing techniques at home to prevent the spread of illness:
1. Put your hands under warm or cold running water and use soap.
2. Rub your hands together until the soap lathers and don’t forget the back of your hands, in between your fingers and underneath your nails.
3. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Have the kids since Happy Birthday twice to make hand washing fun!
4. If soap and water aren’t readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. However, sanitizers don’t eliminate all germs.
To prevent illness, and missed school and work days, Dr. Katalenas asks parents to make sure they are properly educating their children about the importance of good hygiene. The Pediatric Center of Round Rock is participating in a flu vaccine research study to learn more about creating effective influenza vaccines. Qualified participants in this clinical trial will be compensated and receive the flu vaccine free of charge
About Dr. Katalenas
Dr. Marta Katalenas is a board certified pediatrician and owner of the Pediatric Center of Round Rock. She is a public speaker and author of the book "The Step Up Diet: From Scratch… The Quality, Quantity, and Timing Solution to Childhood Obesity", a guide to healthy cooking and eating for busy families.
Melissa Shea, Dr. Marta Katalenas / Pediatric Center of Round Rock, http://www.drkatalenas.com/, 5127990217, [email protected]
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