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Women’s and Children’s Health Network
Ngangkitya ngartu itya kangkawardli
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The Women’s and Children’s Health Network acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Country throughout South Australia. We acknowledge and respect their ongoing and deep spiritual connection and relationship to land, air, sea, waters, community and country. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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5 Tips to Avoid the Flu this Winter

HF1 kids flu feature
Healthy Focus
Posted 9 June 2022

Our resident infection control expert, Nurse Georgie, has put together these easy to follow tips and reminders to keep your family healthy this winter.

1. Get a flu shot

You, your child, and everyone who cares for them should get a flu shot. Getting vaccinated doesn't just protect your own health. It also helps the people around you because there's less chance you'll catch the flu and pass it on.

Even better, all South Australians are now able to access the flu vaccine for free until 30 June 2022 at GPs and Pharmacies.

2. Clean hands

Basic, regular hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. So get in the habit of washing your hands when you come home from school, a movie, or anywhere else where you're around a lot of people.

3. Immunity boosters

You also can fight the flu on a daily basis by keeping your immune system strong. Some great immune boosters are:

  • Getting enough sleep
  • Eating healthy foods (including five or more servings of fruits and veggies a day!)
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Regular exercise

It's also a good idea to avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth – three places where flu viruses can easily enter the body.

4. Avoid others when sick

Steer clear of someone who is sick (coughing, sneezing, etc.). Flu viruses travel through the air, so try to stay away from people who look sick. Kids spread germs easily in places like day cares, classrooms and playgrounds. If your child does get sick, keep them home until they no longer have symptoms. Also, babies and the elderly are especially at risk of the flu virus, so avoid any close contact with those populations if your child gets sick.

5. Safe sneezes

Teach your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow – not into hands. That way, you're not spreading the virus when you touch surfaces that other people may touch too. Continue to socially distance in public when possible, as this is crucial to preventing flu and COVID-19 transmission.