Tis The Season!

Keeping Kids Healthy During Flu, COVID-19, and Norovirus Season

It’s that time of year again when sniffles turn into full-blown fevers, and germs seem to be lurking around every corner. Kids are especially vulnerable to illnesses like the flu, coronavirus (COVID-19), and norovirus, thanks to their close interactions at school, daycare, and playdates. Here's everything you need to know about how children get sick, how to help them recover, and how to prevent these pesky illnesses from invading your home.

How Kids Get Sick

Kids are natural explorers, but their curious hands and habits often lead to the spread of germs. Here are some common ways children pick up illnesses:

• Touching Contaminated Surfaces: Door handles, toys, and shared school supplies are breeding grounds for germs.

• Close Contact: High-fives, hugs, and crowded classrooms make it easy for germs to jump from person to person.

• Poor Hand Hygiene: Kids often forget to wash their hands or don’t do it properly, making it easier for germs to spread.

• Airborne Transmission: Coughing, sneezing, and even talking release droplets that can carry viruses like the flu or COVID-19.

• Shared Items: Drinking from a friend’s water bottle or sharing snacks can lead to exposure to viruses like norovirus.

Helping Your Child Recover When They’re Sick

When your little one catches a bug, your top priority is helping them feel better fast. Here’s how to provide comfort and aid their recovery:

• Hydration is Key: Encourage them to sip water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks to avoid dehydration.

• Rest, Rest, Rest: A tired body has a harder time fighting illness. Create a cozy space where they can relax and sleep.

• Use Fever Reducers as Needed: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease discomfort (always follow dosage guidelines or consult your pediatrician).

• Nutritious Foods: Even if their appetite is low, encourage bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).

• Humidifier or Saline Spray: For flu and COVID-19, keeping airways moist can ease congestion and coughing.

• Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on fever, dehydration, and breathing. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days.

Preventing Illness: Your First Line of Defense

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your kids’ chances of getting sick:

• Teach Proper Handwashing: Show them how to scrub hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the restroom.

• Disinfect Common Areas: Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

• Encourage Healthy Habits: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep strengthen their immune system.

• Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations offer critical protection during peak seasons.

• Promote Hygiene at School: Pack hand sanitizer and remind kids not to share food, drinks, or personal items.

• Boost Indoor Air Quality: Use air purifiers and open windows to reduce the spread of airborne viruses at home.

• Keep Sick Kids at Home: If your child isn’t feeling well, keep them out of school and extracurricular activities to prevent spreading the illness to others.

How We Can Help

At Better Clean, we understand how important a clean environment is, especially during flu, COVID-19, and norovirus season. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of your home or business can go a long way in reducing the spread of germs and keeping your loved ones or employees healthy.

Let us take some of the stress off your plate by keeping your spaces sparkling clean and sanitized!

📞 Call or text us at 507-920-8174
📧 Email: BetterCleanMN@gmail.com

Contact us today to see how we can help make your home or business a healthier, safer place.

✨ Not Just Clean. Better Clean. ✨