There’s something about a crisp, cool morning that makes autumn a favorite time of the year. But besides the onslaught of Pumpkin-Spice-everything, there’s something else we should prepare for — and that’s Flu Season!
What you should know about the severity of Flu Season: 2021
Flu Season in the States starts in the fall and winter. And according to the World Health Organization, it’s generally a risky time for:
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5 years
- People older than 65 years
- People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, HIV/AIDS heart & lung disease, and diabetes
- People with increased risk of exposure to influenza such as healthcare workers
But studies are predicting that the 2021 Flu Season could be more severe. And doctors are expecting more cases this year. Here’s why.
Influenza is a highly-contagious respiratory illness that spreads from person-to-person through droplets. This can be from coughing, sneezing, talking, or even spread through surfaces like desks, countertops, or doorknobs.
And, if you can remember, last fall we were all about being squeaky clean, washing our hands, wearing masks, washing our hands some more, sanitizing, and. . . did we mention washing our hands?
We also practiced social distancing and our schools were even closed! Which means both COVID and the flu had a harder time hitching a ride from home-to-home.
But, our good habits haven’t stuck around. Or at least as well as we hoped! And many of us are back in school and back at work.
But that’s not all. Experts are also predicting that due to the low infection rate of flu last year, our natural immunity has possibly lowered. Which could also lead to more flu cases this year!
Now that’s all the research we have so far. But parents know enough about the flu that we wanna keep that yucky virus far away from our little ones — regardless if there’s a surge or not! So let’s dive into a few tips to keep the big, bad flu away this year.
Tips to Prepare for 2021 Flu Season
-
Stay Active
Keeping our kiddos active not only strengthens their immune system against the flu and COVID, but develops a healthy pattern of good exercise habits for the future.
-
Get that Vitamin D
We know that getting that natural Vitamin D for kids means being outside in the sunlight. And it’s super important for developing a strong immune system! But there’s also solid evidence that Vitamin D supplements for kids, especially in those winter months when sun exposure is low, also reduces the rate of infection.
So if you’re concerned that your little one may not get as much sunlight, then check out Vitamin D supplements for children. And with Renzo’s Vitamins Dynamite D3, it’s like sunshine in a bottle! Plus, it’s vegan :) #savethesheep
- Have a Handwashing Refresher
Last year’s flu season showed us how effective handwashing really is! But we could all use a little reminder on how to properly wash those hands.
And remember, singing the Happy Birthday song twice is just the right amount of time to keep those germy bugs away. Or better yet, have your kiddo sing their ABC’s!
- Avoid Sharing
This is a big one, especially now that our kiddos are back in school. It may sound totally against everything we learned growing up, but avoiding sharing food and toys can keep away unwanted guests.
- Get Vaccinated
Getting a flu vaccine is always on the “Prepare for Flu Season” checklist! So have a chat with your medical care provider if you plan on getting vaccinated.
- Eat a Nutritious Diet
It’s no secret that kids don’t usually love their veggies. But with all these juicy tips for getting more nutrients into your kiddo’s diet, your little one may start eating healthy without even knowing it!
- Stock up on the Immune-Boosting Superstars
Grab the Immunity Builder Bundle to help boost your little one’s immune system! With the Immune-Boosting Superstars, you have all the must-have essentials to kick that flu to the curb!
The Immunity Builder Bundle includes:
- Invincible Vitamin C (made with Elderberry and Zinc for extra antioxidant power)
- Dynamite D3 (the sunshine vitamin made with D3 for children)
- Picky Eater Multi (18 essential vitamins and minerals — perfect for picky eaters!)