NANA SAYS IT IS HARD TO BE SICK THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL

Nana has heard from many quarters that a little one is sick. With the up and down weather -, i.e. warm to cool back to hot to cold- well you get the idea, we all can get caught in the fluctuating germ pool. It is important for parents to keep their sick children away from others. I heard recently that some children went to a party with one sick child and then the rest came down with a bug. Especially if visiting a new baby, try not to go if you even have a little cold. Visitors are discouraged at the hospital if they are sick with a cough, runny nose or fever to visit loved ones. So keep that rule in mind so your child does not get infected or infected by others. It is also a good time to discuss infection control. Remember 70% of good infection control is hand washing. Have one of those sanitizers available. I have one by the front door and in my car along with a purse size one- well in my purse. Sneezing into one's sleeve and covering a cough need to be revisited by all. All sickness may not be preventable but if we all make concerted efforts, it can be reduced. If a baby is visiting make sure floors and other surfaces are clean along with making any books or toys to be touched have some quick cleaning. Babies put everything in their mouths!! The world is a smaller place so even if you have visited another country make sure you declare it to friends and doctors so whatever buy you may have can be tracked. I know not everyone wants to get the flu shot but it does prevent transmission of the flu. I get one every year. Especially the elderly and health care professionals. Practice good infection control habits and not only keep yourself well but it will help with others.