Cold & Flu Season | Get Well Little One

A rare sick day...

Is it cold & flu season already?! I haven't missed a single day at work due to personal illness since becoming Mommy a little over 2 years ago. I have miraculously become resistant to germs. Prior to becoming a mom, I used to catch every bug that would be floating around the office! NOT anymore! I have Mommy Super Powers now!  I think we all earn our capes and superpowers once we enter parenthood.  No time for mommy to be sick!

When our little one is under the weather, it just breaks my heart. Thankfully, our little guy rarely falls ill.  I am hoping for a speedy recovery.

Happy & Healthy!

Praying that this was the start and END of cold season for our little trooper!  He just started "school". It's a program for 24 to 36 month old children, he loves it! I think that is where he caught this bug that he has now. We are likely to miss his very first field trip to the Pumpkin Patch this Friday.  Hoping for the best.  Any mommy tips & tricks to keep the little ones comfy when they aren't feeling well? My trick is to hold him close - he can breathe easier and it's calming for both of us.

Stay healthy friends! I'm sending hugs to all of you that have been sneezed on, covered in baby snot, vomited on, and just so worn out with worry. Ironically it was just about this time last year that he suffered his first illness: Cold & Flu Season 2011.

First Day of School

How to Stay Flu-Free for the Holidays

The overlap of the cold and flu season with the holiday season can make it a challenge to stay healthy as you go to parties and get together with family and friends.

Getting a flu shot is important, but other precautions can also reduce your risk of getting sick or of spreading illness to others, according to a Ryerson University news release.

Here are some tips for a healthy holiday:

• When you have to cough or sneeze, do it in your sleeve or the inside of your sweater or jacket. That will prevent the spread of viruses to those nearby.
• Wash your hands regularly and always after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose.
• Use the air kiss or fake peck on the cheek instead of a kiss on the lips when greeting family and friends.
• Always use serving spoons or forks never your fingers to put food on your plate. If you're hosting a party, be sure to supply plenty of serving utensils and provide people with alternatives to reaching into bowls, such as making individual servings.
• Find creative ways to personalize cups so that people don't accidentally mix them up. Don't serve beverages in their original containers because people might get confused about which bottle or can belongs to them.
• Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it before you eat any food or touch your face, particularly your nose and mouth. This will help protect you against viruses you may have picked up from doorknobs, shopping cart handles, handrails and faucets.
• When you attend religious services, try to stay three to six feet away from others and don't share the communion wine goblet. Instead of shaking hands and hugging, use a friendly wave or elbow tap to greet others.
• Make sure you get adequate sleep, which is important for keeping your immune system strong.
• If you develop a cold or flu, stay at home until you feel better.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about preventing the flu.