How to Protect Baby from Cold and Flu
When entering the rainy season, as a mother you might feel worried if your baby has colds and flu. However, you don't need to worry because on this occasion we will share about how to protect baby from cold and flu.
The flu can be caused by an influenza virus that spreads through the air. While colds are caused by more than 200 kinds of viruses, the virus that most often causes colds is the rhinovirus. Babies are prone to flu and colds because their immune systems are not yet fully formed.
How to Protect Baby from Cold and Flu
Because the spread of the virus that causes flu and colds is relatively easy, there are several things you can do to prevent your baby from getting this disease.
1. Wash your hands regularly
The first thing you can do to protect your baby from contagion of viruses that cause colds and flu is to wash your hands regularly, especially before you touch them.
This habit is not only for you as a mother, but also should be applied to all your family members and friends who want to touch your baby.
To be perfectly clean, you should wash your hands using soap and running water. Don't forget to scrub your hands with soap for about 30 seconds. After that, dry your hands by wiping them with a clean towel.
2. Avoid kissing baby when you are sick
Seeing a baby can make anyone feel excited and want to kiss him. However, if you have a cold and flu, don't kiss your baby first. That's because based on research, the virus that causes colds and flu can enter the baby's body through kissing. Do not forget to forbid other people who are sick who want to kiss your baby.
3. Provide nutritious food for babies
For babies who can already consume solid food as complementary foods, don't forget to always provide balanced nutritious food.
Nutritious foods can help build the baby's immune system. A good immune system can protect babies from germs around them, including viruses that cause colds and flu.
If your baby is still breastfeeding, give breast milk regularly so that your baby's immune system can be formed properly. That way the baby will be protected from exposure to viruses that can cause flu and colds.
4. Avoid crowded places
As much as possible, do not take your baby too often to crowded public places such as markets or malls. This is because the baby's immune system is usually not fully formed. In addition, exposure to air pollution can also make babies vulnerable to viruses that can cause flu and colds.
5. Give the vaccine
Another way you can do to prevent your baby from flu and colds is to give the influenza vaccine. Usually this vaccine can be given to babies when they are 6 months old.
That's the explanation we can share about how to protect baby from cold and flu. If you notice symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, cough, and decreased appetite in your baby, then immediately take him to the doctor for proper treatment.
