Invisible, disease-causing bacteria and viruses lurk all around your home, from the kitchen counters to the livingroom rug. Healthy adults have strong immune systems that can fend off many dangerous germs,but babies are at much greater risk. An infant’s immune system is like a new engine straight off the production line. It’s ready to be started but can get overtaxed if pushed to its limit all at once.

Although you’ve got to keep your child’s environment extra-clean.  it’s a balance. You can’t guard against every germ, nor should you, since your baby needs opportunities for his defenses to develop. Here are the following that you can do:

• Concentrate on cleaning your kitchen and bathroom, and make them a top priority from now on. Your infant won’t spenda lot of  time in these areas, but older family members and guests will. They can pick up the germs there and then spread them to your baby.
• Mop the kitchen floor with a sanitizing cleaner whenever it’s dirty. Keep areas where baby-feeding equipment will be stored scrupulously clean.

To keep her immune system safe as it grows strong:

• Breastfeed, if you’re healthy and able. You’ll pass along antibodies.
• Makes sure your newborn recieves scheduled vaccines.
• Ask friends to visit your baby after 4 to 6 weeks, when she’s hardier.
• Don’t let people hold her. 80 percent of infectious illness are spread by touch, by coming into contact with contaminated people or objects.
• Don’t let people kiss the baby. They may transmit germs that cause colds and flu or gum disease.

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It’s very frustrating to get online and immediately be greeted by the news of a pandemic that’s going to get us all.   Yes, this new strain of flu is something that needs to be taken seriously, but the media is senstationalizing things way too much.  We’re not all on the verge of death, much less a worldwide plague that will wipe out life as we know it. 

Remember, the more scared the media can make you, the more stories they can sell you.  I’ve consulted with the CDC and with several local doctors and nurses.  Here’s what you need to know.

• This is not an epidemic or a pandemic.  Only 40 cases have been confirmed in the US.  That’s fewer than 1 in 7,000,000 people.
• You can prevent this kind of flu the same way you prevent every other kind of flu: wash hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, wipe and disinfect surfaces, stay home if you are sick and keep your kids home if they are, get a flu shot if you can, and drink plenty of liquids.
• Stay healthy.  Get rest, exercise, healthy food, and keep everyone hydrated.
• Avoid large crowds as much as you can.
• Don’t panic. 

Flu of any type is more serious than we give it credit for, but this kind can be dealt with just like those other kinds that we do have experience with.  I’ll keep checking in with my sources and letting you know if there’s new info, but in the meantime, practice good health and hygiene and go on with life.  And dont’ worry so much.