Respiratory Illness Prevention

As we mentioned in our previous post, Respiratory Illnesses in Children, respiratory illnesses are very prevalent now. The viruses causing these diseases are easily spread by airborne droplets or touching contaminated surfaces. Here are some respiratory illness prevention tips.

• Avoid large crowds
• Avoid people with respiratory illness symptoms such as coughing & sneezing
• Wearing a mask indoors is suggested
• Avoid shaking hands
• Avoid hugging or kissing
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face with your hands
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
• Don’t drink from another person’s cup or bottle
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your arm then immediately wash your hands
• Throw away tissues immediately
• Regularly disinfect doorknobs, counters, and other frequently touched surfaces. Don’t forget your keyboard, computer mouse, and cellphone.
• In a public restroom, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and the open door
• Increase the humidity with a humidifier
• Get the flu vaccine
• Get the COVID-19 vaccine
• Get tested if you have symptoms and consult your doctor for appropriate treatment
• Stay at home if you have symptoms to prevent spreading them to others

Please follow these respiratory illness prevention tips to keep yourself and your family healthy. As these illnesses can become severe in children, immediately contact your pediatrician should your child exhibit any respiratory symptoms.