Last year was a banner year in the Foster household: the months of September and October alone saw us through at least six different cold viruses between my two boys. I’m expecting a similar showing this year. After only one week back in preschool—as if on cue—my 4-year-old developed a runny nose.
And so it begins.
If you’re a mom, I know you’ve wiped a tiny red nose or two. And I’m almost positive you’ve glanced at the contents of that tissue. Have you ever wondered what it means?
Dylan Wilson, a 20-year-old young man who lived in London, Ontario, died of the flu on Jan 17, 2014. His devastated mother appeared at a press conference shortly afterward and, in an attempt to find meaning in such an unthinkable tragedy, made a plea for people to get their flu shot. Dian Wilson hopes her son’s death will save someone else’s life.
It's the middle of the night, you're awakened with the first telltale signs of a sore throat. You sneeze. And immediately experience a sinking feeling: you're getting a cold. And you know what it means. It'll only be a matter of time before everyone in your family goes down for the count, too.
Judging from the overwhelming response to a question about flu shots on YMC’s Facebook page recently, I’d say this is a hot-button issue with moms. And pretty polarizing. I’m not entirely surprised; these days vaccines are, shall we say, a tad…controversial. So it can be incredibly confusing to know what to do. Your best bet? To make a decision that works for you and your family, based on solid information. Not dogma, not propaganda, and certainly not fear.
My workdays at the clinic have been pretty full of mucus lately. Just about everyone who walks through the door is coughing or sneezing or clutching a sore throat or some variation of the above. And I’ve noticed, as always, a whole lot of confusion when it comes to colds and the flu.
Interested in gaining a little advantage over all those nasty viruses this cold and flu season? Here’s a great way to bolster your defenses: with food! Bring this list to the grocery store and fill your shopping cart with immune-boosting yummies.
Fact is, kids typically catch 6-10 colds per year. And while they may not share every virus with you, there's a good chance you'll partake in some of those sniffles.
But don’t despair—if you’ve picked up a cold or the flu, there are lots of things you can do (and lots you can do to help those sneezing kids of yours, too).
It’s cold and flu season. Feeling a little under siege? When everyone around you is coughing and sneezing, do you feel the urge to hide inside with your family and pull up the drawbridge?
Well, there are better ways to stay healthy through the winter and into spring.
