The good news is that, typically, when a virus causes sickness, the body builds up defenses, or germ-fighting antibodies, against it. So, your child is less likely to become infected with the same strain of flu virus more than once.
1
The bad news is that there are three types of the flu virus: A, B, and C, and these are further identified by subtypes based on their structure—so there are numerous strains of flu viruses.
2 Even if your child develops immunity to one strain of the flu, he or she could be exposed to a different flu virus next flu season. There are also many other viruses that cause the common cold, which has symptoms similar to the flu.
Whether your little ones are healthy or sick, remind them that it’s important to follow proper good-hygiene habits all of the time to help keep themselves and others well. Here are three key habits recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help stop flu germs:
3,4
- 1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- 2. Cough into the inside of your elbow instead of into your hands.
- 3. Avoid touching your face—especially your eyes, mouth, and nose—as much as you can.
1
2
3
4
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Seasonal Influenza (Flu)-Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. Accessed 29 March 2011.
