Protect your family for the flu this year! #MC #sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for MedImmune Specialty Care. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

 As the weather gets colder, we search our attics and closets for gloves, boots, and coats to bundle up and keep warm. With the change in season comes the inevitable onset of runny noses, sore throats, muffled coughs, and of course-the dreaded flu. Last year’s flu season in the U.S. caused the highest recorded rates of pneumonia and influenza diagnoses in nearly a decade. Due to developing immune systems, children are two to three times more likely to catch the flu than adults.

To help us in our flu prevention efforts, parenting author Elizabeth Pantley has developed “A Parent’s Guide to Flu Season,” a short, downloadable booklet of information about the flu and tips for parents on protecting their families from the flu. The tips, formatted in an easy-to-follow infographic, make for a great addition to your refrigerator art this season.

Last year I got hit with a BAD case of the flu, so I was super excited to get the family flu shots this year.  I got mine at my work for free and then the kids got their shots at the pediatrician's office.  It seems that the germs are already flying early this year and notes are constantly being sent home with the kids that there are kids out with the flu and other illness.  I know some people are reluctant to get the shot, heck I was nervous at first too!  But after reading the booklet by Elizabeth Pantley it help to calm my nerves and give me more insight!  If  your child has had a flu shot or nasal-spray vaccine, your child will have built up substances, called antibodies, to protect him or her.  If you have kids, you know how easily germs spread and how they might not always think that might be spreading germs!

So to help prevent the spread of germs here are some tips:

• Hand washing is very important!  Make sure you are using hot water and sing "Happy Birthday" in you head. You will then know you have washed them long enough.
• Make sure you are wiping down the "hot spots" for germs:  doorknobs, light switches, faucets, keyboards, phone, remote control, etc.
• Make sure you get a good night's sleep!   

A great part of this booklet is the check list that helps to decipher the difference between a cold and the flu!  I would highly suggest printing it off and taping it to the fridge!   Also make sure to read over her flu tips and prevention resources!  My favorite tip is you should wait 24 hours after your child no longer has a fever before sending him or her to school, daycare, social, or sporting events. Only if all parents followed that rule!

Stay healthy this cold and flu season!