Children are just getting into the swing of things at school, but we all know that back to school is also the start of cold and flu season. According to the Center for Disease Control, flu season begins in October but peaks from December to February. Although this time of year can be lovingly nicknamed back to sniffles, there are ways that you can prevent colds and flu or at least provide your little one, and you, some relief because viruses will spread through the house.
How Are Cold and Flu Viruses Spread?
Colds spread through airborne droplets that are coughed and sneezed into the air. They can also be spread through direct contact such as holding hands, hugging and all of the things that you do to bring comfort to a sick child. The flu is spread much the same way and the germs can spread on toys, door handles, cell phones, tablets and remote controls.
Soothing Relief if You Have a Cold or Flu
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the proper over the counter medication to take. Make sure that you alert them to any prescriptions that you and your family members are currently on to ensure that there are no contraindications. Keep a back up of medication so that you don’t run out. Make sure to keep an eye on expiry dates too. A good hint when shopping – older stock is usually rotated to the front and new stock goes in the back of the section.
For tummy aches and body pain, you can also keep Magic Bags on hand for you and adorable Magic Bag Warmy Hot & Cold Compresses on hand for your little ones (ages 3 and up). Magic Bags and Magic Bag Warmy Hot & Cold Compresses are made and designed in Canada and filled with organic and compostable grain (Magic Bag) or hypoallergenic rice (Warmy). Your kids can cuddle up with a Warmy with a machine washable cover and you can snuggle with your own Magic Bag.
Magic Bags and Warmys can easily be heated in the microwave when you need comfort from aches and pains from the flu or even menstrual cramps or kept in the freezer for bruises, sprains and other boo boos. Keep two of each on hand so that you always have one ready to go during cold and flu season. You can find all of the products below at magicbag.com:
Magic Bag Warmy Theo the Bunny Hot & Cold Compress – $24.99
Magic Bag Warmy Theo the Bunny Hot & Cold Compress is the ideal gift for “somebunny” special. Like all Warmys, it provides soothing relief.
Buy NowMagic Bag Warmy Noa the Bear Hot & Cold Compress – $24.99
Magic Bag Warmy Noa the Bear Hot & Cold Compress (and all Warmys) is machine-washable so your little one can snuggle away.
Buy NowMagic Bag Warmy Sam the Cat Hot & Cold Compress – $16.99
Magic Bag Warmy Sam the Cat Hot & Cold Compress is will give your children comfort when they need it the most.
Buy NowMagic Bag Signature Edition Neck-to-Back Hot & Cold Compress – $31.99
Magic Bag Signature Edition Neck-to-Back Hot & Cold Compress targets the neck, shoulders, and upper back pain. Its unique design allows you to pull the arms forward so that the back of the neck sits comfortably against the compress.
Buy NowMagic Bag Signature Edition Extra Large Pad Hot & Cold Compress – $31.99
Magic Bag Signature Edition Extra Large Pad Hot & Cold Compress is 25% bigger making it ideal for the abdomen, back, shoulders and thighs.
Buy NowPrevention
Here are some other tips to stay healthy during cold and flu season:
- Health Canada suggests that almost everyone six months of age and older should get the flu shot.
- We all know washing your hands is the first line of defense in protecting against most viruses. Teach your child to sing happy birthday or count to twenty as they are washing for the best germ prevention.
- Keep hand sanitizer in your bag in case you or your family come across a washroom without soap.
- Disinfect toys and electronics to help kill germs before they spread.
- Get adequate rest – sleep is important both when you are healthy and if you are sick.
- Most importantly, keep your child home from school and stay home from work if you are not well.
We can’t guarantee that you won’t get sick this cold and flu season, but you may prevent some illnesses or help get better more quickly with these tips.
