How to keep your baby safe from seasonal flu
Seasonal flu is one of the worst nightmares for the parents of a newborn baby. A baby is very vulnerable to cold and flu for the first few months especially. They don’t have a well developed immune system during that time. Despite taking the influenza vaccines, babies can get cold at the time of season change. Particularly in a hot and humid country, the probability of seasonal fever of newborn babies is quite high. Here are some steps you can take that can reduce the risk of your baby catching the seasonal flu or cold.
1) Wash, wash and wash:
You have to keep in mind that, you can never touch the baby without washing your hands. Never. A baby may be getting a lot of visitors in the first few months. Everyone tries to cuddle and kiss them. However, as nice as that may be, you have to keep reminding each and every visitor to wash their hands with soap or use sanitizer before touching the baby. You should also keep your baby clean for his/her safety. You can use Just for Baby wash or Just for Baby soap for this purpose.
2)Don’t cough and sneeze in front of babies:
Coughs and sneezes are potent threats for babies. When the baby is around, make sure no one coughs or sneezes in front of them. Coughs and sneezes can be covered with a tissue. If there aren’t any available, use your elbows to cover them.
3) Avoid public place as much as possible:
Try to take your baby outside as little as possible especially during season change. Your baby needs fresh air , but it won’t be a wise decision to take them to crowded places. If you have no option but to take your baby outside, carry your baby in a stroller and cover the opening with a blanket. That way, the chances of dust and germs affecting them will reduce. Lastly, always carry a hand sanitizer with you at all times.
4)Breastfeed your child:
Breastfeeding gives extra protection to babies especially from cold and flu. It is scientifically proven that breastfeeding helps keep the baby safe from a lot of health risks. Breast Milk has antibodies that help the baby’s immune system to cope with a lot of external pathogens. Of course, there is no guarantee that breastfeeding is the ultimate safeguard of diseases. However, it definitely adds an extra bit of layer to your baby’s defense.
5)Consult your Pediatrician when necessary:
Don’t panic if your child gets a cold or has symptoms of flu. It’s natural if the body temperature of your baby gets quite high within a very short time. Keep calm and consult your doctor if your baby is less than 3 months old and develops a fever over 100.3 F. If your baby is six month old, you need to consult your doctor if the temperature is over 100.4F.
6)Get shots and be safe:
Ensure your baby gets all the necessary vaccines for influenza. Alongside that, make sure that everyone who takes care of your baby is up to date with all of their vaccines as well. Flu vaccines are equally as important for caregivers. Infants cannot receive a flu vaccine until they are six months old, so ensuring that everyone around them is vaccinated will help protect them from any potentially deadly illness.
Reference:
https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health-and-safety/cocooning-with-vaccines-protects-newborn-babies-from-flu/
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/infantcare.htm
https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/influenza-and-your-baby.aspx#
https://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/6-ways-protect-your-baby-during-cold-and-flu-season
https://www.avera.org/balance/pregnancy-and-birth/mom-talk-how-to-keep-newborns-safe-during-cold–flu-season/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/ways-to-protect-your-baby-from-cold-and-flu-4057987
