If you have a child in day care, you likely know that it doesn't take much for them to catch a cold or the flu. The illness often spreads throughout the home, affecting all family members. Fortunately, there are some steps pediatricians often advise to help minimize your child and family's exposure to germs from day care.

How to Minimize Day Care Germs From Spreading 

1. Get the Flu Shot

Make it a priority for every member of the family to get a flu shot. Hospitalization rates for influenza in young children are higher than they are for any other vaccine-preventable illnesses. The flu vaccine has been found safe and effective for children six months of age and older and is readily available from any pediatrician.

2. Wash Clothes

Children tend to wipe germy hands, runny noses, coughs, and sneezes on their clothes. If possible, schedule your laundry after they've come home from day care. This way, you can throw their germ-ridden clothes directly into the wash and minimize their spread. 

3. Establish a Hand Washing Habit

Washing hands with soap and water loosens germs and makes them easier to rinse off. Instill proper hand washing technique in your child, and practice it with them on a regular basis. Pediatricians recommend rubbing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. A good rule of thumb is to hum the Happy Birthday song from beginning to end; when you've reached the end, it's time to rinse your hands.

4. Clean Day Care Items With Disinfectant Wipes

Germs don't just latch onto people, they can latch onto objects as well. When your child gets home from school, wipe down their backpack, books, toys, and anything else that was taken to day care. Disinfectant wipes are best for killing germs.

These pointers will help keep your child and household safe from day care germs and the spread of colds and the flu. If your child has contracted an illness, or needs a flu shot, trust Tinkelman Pediatrics. Dr. David Tinkelman has been providing comprehensive pediatric care to residents in Brockport, NY, and the surrounding area for more than 15 years. Call (585) 637-0060 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician and visit his office's website to learn more about his services.