7 Tips to Prevent Your Baby from Getting the Flu

Although preventing the flu is very difficult, parents can help protect their babies by strengthening their immune systems with a healthy diet. This way you’ll be able to prevent them from getting the flu regularly.

All parents are affected whenever their babies get sick. However, viruses unfortunately exist and even though parents take all the steps necessary, it’s impossible for them to always prevent the flu.

The flu is very common, especially during the cold months. This illness can get worse if bacteria takes advantage of their low defenses.

This can cause the baby to develop bronchiolitis or even pneumonia.

In this article we’ll share with you how to prevent your baby from getting the flu or a cold.

The causes of the flu in babies

One of the reasons that babies get the flu is due to their undeveloped immune system.

In addition, as they grow, they start to explore and their curiosity leads them to put everything they find into their mouths.

They can also get the flu by touching contaminated objects with their hands. Frequent temperature changes can also play a part in the appearance of this condition.

Symptoms of the flu

The most common symptoms are the following:

• Transparent mucus drip from the nose. After a week or so, the mucus tends to turn green or yellow.
• Frequent sneezing.
• Mild throat pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Restless breathing.
• General tiredness.
• Cough, fever, diarrhea and vomiting.

When should you take the baby to the doctor?

If the baby is less than 3 months old, you should call your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

Their condition should be looked after urgently if they present a high fever that exceeds 38 degrees Celsius.

From the age of 3 months until the age of 1 year you should consult your doctor if the baby presents a fever that exceeds 38.5.

It’s also important to consult your pediatrician if the baby has excessive cough; it could be a sign of bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Tips to prevent your baby from getting the flu

There are many tips that you can use to prevent your child from getting the flu. In this article we’ll highlight 7 that are very helpful.

1. Breastfeed constantly

Breast milk is essential when it comes to preventing the flu. Therefore, it’s important to feed them constantly.

Although breast milk isn’t a direct defense to diseases, it does prevent children from getting sick because it contains antibodies that can help protect them from germs.

2. Keep them away from people who are already sick

Prevent (to the extent possible) your child from having contact with people who have the flu since it is very contagious.

If someone who has a cold wants to visit the baby, tell them in a nice way that they should come at another time when they’re feeling better.

3. Keep the baby warm

It’s important to keep the baby warm. If you’re going out, dress them appropriately.

Make sure their hands, feet and head are well protected from the cold. Do this moderately to prevent them from getting too hot.

4. Healthy diet

A healthy diet includes many fruits and vegetables. The consumption of fruits with a high content of Vitamin C is beneficial to their health.

Although it doesn’t cure the flu, it helps strengthen their immune system.

5. Wash hands

Anyone who comes into contact with the baby should wash their hands before picking them up. Keep in mind that many germs can be transmitted through hand contact.

You should also try to keep their toys clean since they tend to put everything in their mouths.

6. Try to not take them to closed places

Try (to the extent possible) to prevent your child from being in closed spaces such as shopping centers or restaurants, since lots of sick people can be found in these environments.

7. Make sure they’re hydrated

If the baby is less than 6 months old, carry on with your normal routine of breastfeeding or formulas.

If the child is over the age of 6 months, you should try to keep them hydrated with water.

If they urinate several times a day, it’s a sign they’re well hydrated.

Natural remedies that can help prevent the flu

It’s recommended to take your child to the doctor once they get sick in order for them to give a thorough examination and indicate treatments. 

There are also some things you can do at home to help prevent your child from getting the flu. Here are a few examples:

• Nasal drops.
• Place a vaporizer in the room. You can add a few a few drops of mint or eucalyptus essence.
• Humidifiers.

In conclusion, although the flu is a normal condition that little ones experience, there are a few measures you can take to prevent it from occurring regularly.

You should always be attentive to your child’s symptoms. If they have a high fever and constant cough, you should take them to the doctor immediately.