The strain of influenza, H3N2, is one of the very worst, one that medical professionals truly hate. I hate it too.

As a mother of a child with extraordinary needs and a body that can’t fight the flu like others, this flu season is terrifying.

I don’t want to find out how our little guy’s body would react to having to fight off this nasty virus. I can’t even begin to visualize the treatment and outcome.

Here are some things you can do to help from spreading the flu:

1. Stay home if you are positive for the flu! You can be contagious even 5 days after the onset of symptoms.

If one of your germ infested droplets touches a surface and someone else touches said surface and then wipes their nose or mouth they could also now have the flu.

I am begging you…just stay home.

2. Wash your hands. And wash them again.

Upon entering your house from running errands or getting home from school or work head straight to the sink and wash your hands.

Lather with soap, wash every inch of your hands, and sing your ABC’s. Twice.

3. If anyone in your house is cuddled up on the couch with the flu, wash every surface in your household.

Flu germs can live on surfaces for 1-2 days. Get out your Lysol spray and Clorox wipes and disinfect all of the surfaces you can.

4. Don’t cough into your hands. I know that this should be common sense, but use your elbow.

One of our son’s favorite shows is the Bubble Guppies, and I will quote them and say, “use your germ jail.”

Use a kleenex to wipe your nose, not your hand, and wash your hands again. (Do you see the theme here?)

No one wants to get the flu, and I realize that spreading the flu isn’t intentional.

But I think if we all take these 4 precautions we can help from spreading the flu even further.

As a parent with a child who would end up in the hospital if he contracted this nasty virus, I thank you.

I know MANY other parents with typical children and children with special needs also thank you, actually, we all thank you.

And remember to wash your hands.