When school starts, germs spread and noses start running. It happens every year. First the kids, then mom and dad get sick. Common illnesses include strep throat, stomach viruses, cold viruses, and the flu. This time of year is also complicated by seasonal allergies for many patients. 

As a parent, you can take a few proactive steps to boost your child’s immune system and help prevent illness, as well as minimize you and your children’s likelihood of developing infections that require antibiotics. 

1. If your child suffers from seasonal allergy symptoms (runny nose, night time cough, throat clearing during the day), consult your healthcare provider about medications that control symptoms and also reduce the likelihood of getting viral infections and secondary bacterial infections like ear infections, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
2. Serve more fruits and veggies, such as carrots, green beans, oranges and strawberries. Cut back on processed foods heavy in additives and sugar.
3. Talk to your health care professional about using probiotics, Black Elderberry syrup and other vitamins and supplements. (Treat these as you would medication and use only as directed.)
4. Enforce an early bedtime to help boost the body’s  immune system.
5. Serve water and juice and cut out sugary drinks and sodas.
6. Exercise as a family to increase oxygen levels.
7. Reduce stress in your home, especially at the dinner table.
8. Give hugs, kisses and say lots of positive words. 
9. Wash hands with soap often or use hand sanitizer if necessary.
10. Use antibiotics only as prescribed and don’t press for antibiotics for viral infections.
11. Get plenty of fresh air and as much sunshine as you can.

We truly hope this helps your kids avoid some of the bugs this school year. But when the bugs bite, the Braselton Urgent Care team of healthcare professionals is here for you and no appointment is required. Our on-site lab will help us diagnose and get those kids feeling better fast.