There is a lot of uncertainty about what this year’s cold and flu season will look like due to the current COVID-19 outbreak ravaging the world. The spring and summer news headlines were dominated by stories of the pandemic. Now that the colder weather is almost here, many people are concerned about what the pandemic will look like alongside the annual flu season. Families can start preparing for this year’s flu season and a potential second wave of COVID-19 by employing strategies like sleep meditation for kids, calming techniques, and increased awareness of possible outbreaks.
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Things To Do
Keep Anxiety in Check
Both adults and children have been experiencing much higher levels of anxiety throughout the last six months. It’s important for families to identify mental health struggles and consider calming pills for adults or stress relief techniques for children. Many parents are taking on homeschooling tasks and working from home full-time, and children are engaging in the challenge of virtual learning. Because of the virus, some people have felt extremely isolated and stressed out, so it’s important to address this to help avoid even more problems this fall.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Families can also stay healthier by making sure everyone gets enough sleep. With many people working and learning from home, it may be easier to sleep in and not worry about a busy routine out of the house. There are some people who are struggling with their sleep habits due to worrying about the pandemic and an interrupted routine. It’s best to make sure everyone in the household is active and getting some time outdoors each day to support healthy sleep schedules.
Get a Flu Shot
Even though many people are still working from home and not going out into public nearly as much as they did last year, it’s still important to take steps to avoid getting the flu. Everyone over six months old should be getting an annual flu shot early in the fall to prevent complications. Additionally, stock up on over the counter flu meds just in case someone in the household comes down with it.
Practice Social Distancing
It’s also very important to still practice social distancing while COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the country. Keep gatherings limited or avoid parties and big social events altogether. Follow the state health department’s statistics and information about the current COVID-19 situation to understand the risks.
Wear a Mask
If you do have to venture out in public or work in a setting where you are around lots of people, it’s vital to wear a mask as much as possible. If everyone in the community is consistent about wearing a mask, the spread of COVID-19 and the flu will slow to a crawl and daily life may be able to return to normal. Masks may be uncomfortable, especially for children, but it’s important to get used to wearing them until society develops an effective vaccine for COVID-19.
Preparing for the upcoming cold and flu season is going to be a little trickier this year due to the health pandemic. If you continue to follow best practices and put mental health first, get plenty of sleep and socially distance, you may have an easier time this fall.
