HOW TO KEEP YOUR BABYSITTER AND CHILDREN SAFE FROM THE FLU

For the 2016-2017 season, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu shot IIV and RIV. Babysitters and nannies can slow the spread of illnesses like the flu.

Flu facts:

Approximately 20,000 children under 5 years are hospitalized because of the flu and complications related to the flu. The best protection is for children to get a seasonal influenza vaccine each year. Children aged 6 months and older can get vaccinated (talk to your doctor about your child’s specific needs).

How you and your babysitter can keep your children safe from the flu:

• Recommend that your sitter or nanny get vaccinated
• Have your babysitter stay home when he/she is sick or your children are sick. 
• Have your babysitter cover his/her nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and have them wash their hands afterwards. Teach young children to cough into their armpit and older children to use a tissue then have the children wash their hands when they sneeze, cough or touch their mouth or nose.
• Recommend that your sitter wash their hands often, and your children's hands using the 20 second wash with soap and water method (see my proper hand washing blog for more info), or if no water is available use an alcohol based hand sanitizer (it is not recommended to use sanitizer for children under 2).
• Have your sitter and children avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects often especially when children are sick or mouthing toys. 

For more information visit the CDC at:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/index.htm

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
www.smartsittersco.com

http://smartsittersco.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/smart.sitters