Monsoon in Bangladesh makes the nature greener, fruitful, and luscious. However, while commuting amid rains, many people suffer from cold and flu. To prevent such illnesses, it is essential to strengthen the immune system. Homemade delicious remedies, rich in natural ingredients, can be both comforting and effective in fighting off flu symptoms. Here are ten mouthwatering recipes, to keep your immunity strong and spirits high. 10 Homemade Savoury Flu-fighting Recipes for This Monsoon  Ginger-Lemon Honey Tea Ingredients 4 cups water, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup grated ginger root, 3 tea bags, 2 lemons (juiced), and 3 tablespoons honey. Instructions First, combine water, brown sugar, and grated ginger root in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.  Next, remove the saucepan from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Discard the tea bags, then stir in lemon juice and honey. Finally, strain the mixture into a pitcher before serving. Read more: How to Safely Enjoy Street Food in Bangladesh Chicken Soup Ingredients 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion (diced), 1 cup celery (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (chopped), 4–8 garlic cloves (roughly chopped), 700 grams chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless), 4 cups chicken broth or stock, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 2 bay leaves, lemon juice to taste, pinch chilli flakes, scallions, cilantro, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil (optional, tasty) Instructions First, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, garlic, and ginger, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Lower the heat to medium-low and continue sautéing until golden, about 3-4 more minutes.  Next, add chicken stock, water, salt, white pepper, bay leaves, and skinless chicken, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, adjusting cooking time for different cuts of chicken. Test for doneness by pulling the meat apart with two forks; it should be tender and opaque.  Then, shred the chicken, return it to the pot, and simmer for 5 more minutes. Adjust the broth with lemon juice and salt, and serve over rice or noodles, garnished with scallions, cilantro, and chilli flakes.  Read more: Fridge Smells Bad? Reasons and How to Get Rid of It Turmeric and Ginger Latte Ingredients 1 cup non-dairy milk, 1 teaspoon organic ground turmeric powder, ½ -1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, 1 teaspoon honey, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Instructions First, heat the milk in a pot, stirring until it comes to a boil. Add all the ingredients, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, strain the mixture through a small sieve and pour it into a mug. Serve warm and enjoy this golden beverage! Vegetable Khichuri Ingredients Rice: 2 cups pulao rice, 1 cup masoor dal, 2 teaspoons ginger paste, ½ teaspoon garlic paste, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon whole cumin, 2 bay leaves, ½ cup chopped onion, 4 to 5 green chillies, 1½ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup oil, and 2 tablespoons ghee. Vegetable: 1 cup cauliflower pieces, 1 cup potato pieces, ½ cup beans, ½ cup sliced carrots, and ½ cup sweet peas.  Read more: Urban Agriculture: Top 10 Monsoon Vegetables to Grow in Bangladesh Instructions First, begin by mixing all the vegetables, except the sweet peas, with a dash of salt and lightly frying them in about 2 tablespoons of oil. Set aside. Rinse the rice and dal together, then drain the water.  Next, combine them with ginger, garlic, turmeric, bay leaves, and 5 to 6 cups of warm water with salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture begins to boil, add the fried vegetables, sweet peas, and green chilli. Cover and reduce the heat to low.  Then, after 3 to 4 minutes, stir again and keep covered. Once the water has evaporated, set the pot aside over very low heat. In a separate pan, heat oil and brown the onions and cumin. Mix them into the rice gently, cover, and turn off the heat after a couple of minutes. Finally, stir in the ghee before serving hot. This wholesome, easy-to-digest meal is perfect during sickness.  Read more: Delightful Recipes from Bangladeshi Kitchens to Savor on Rainy Days Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry Ingredients 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 450 grams beef (cut into 2-inch strips), 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper (cut into matchsticks), 2 carrots (thinly sliced), 1 green onion (chopped), 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted). Instructions First, gather all the ingredients. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, and cook the beef until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Push the beef to one side of the pan, then add broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, green onion, and garlic to the centre.  Now, cook and stir the vegetables for 2 minutes. Combine the beef with the vegetables and season with soy sauce and sesame seeds. Continue cooking and stirring until the vegetables are tender, about 2 more minutes. Serve hot and enjoy! Read more: Summer Drinks: Refreshing Homemade Sherbets to Beat the Heat

The chilly weather of winter brings cold waves which can harm children. During the cold months, keeping children safe from flu, colds and other kinds of winter sickness becomes a struggle for their parents. One effective way to enhance a kid’s immune system is by treating it with nutritious homemade soups. Here are some tasty soup recipes that cater to your child's health needs. 10 Delicious Soups to Strengthen Kids' Immunity This Winter Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Enjoy the nutritional benefits of Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, a blend of fresh broccoli, butter, cheddar, and milk. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, broccoli enhances immunity. The soup provides essential nutrients, including calcium, supporting bone health. To make this comforting bowl, gently sauté fresh broccoli florets in butter, adding a creamy mix of cheddar and milk until velvety smooth. This velvety creation is both satisfying and nourishing, offering a wholesome strategy to fortify your child against winter ailments. Incorporating broccoli's goodness, it contributes vitamins A and C. Relish a warm bowl of this nutrient-packed soup, making it a delicious yet health-conscious choice. Read more: 10 Types of Natural Honey: A Guide to Varieties, Benefits, and Uses Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Nourish your child with the wholesome goodness of the Chicken and Vegetable Soup. Packed with essential nutrients, this recipe combines protein-rich chicken with an array of nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions in a hearty broth. To prepare, gently simmer the chicken with the vibrant vegetable mix until it reaches perfection. The dish is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. These vitamins contribute to a strengthened immune system. Additionally, the soup provides essential minerals like iron, supporting the body's metabolic processes and maintaining energy levels. This nutrient-dense soup is not only comforting on winter evenings but also serves as a robust defence against seasonal illnesses. Spinach and Chicken Soup Enjoy the nourishment of Spinach and Chicken Soup, a delicious mixture designed to enhance both taste and health. Combine spinach with chicken for a nutrient-rich infusion. Simmer these ingredients, allowing the flavours to merge into a comforting soup. Serve with lemon. Read more: Superfoods: Worth the Hype? Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is a rich source of iron from spinach, essential for maintaining healthy blood. Chicken contributes essential proteins necessary for the growth and immune function of children. Together, they create a fortifying concoction that delights the taste buds of youngsters and strengthens cold resistance too.  Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil Savour the health benefits of Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil Soup, combining protein-packed lentils, carrots, and velvety coconut milk for a wholesome infusion. Simmer the ingredients to meld flavours seamlessly. Together, they create a nourishing symphony that boosts your child's immunity, ensuring good health in winter. This creation acts as a strong defence against winter ailments, with essential proteins, vitamins B and C, and coconut milk adding a creamy texture rich in healthy fats. This nutrient-dense delicious soup provides nutrients, making it a health-conscious choice for your child. Read more: Prospects of Safe Broiler Chicken Farming Tomato and Basil Delight Savour the health benefits of Tomato and Basil Delight Soup, a nutritious fusion designed to boost immunity. Simply combine tomatoes with aromatic basil, simmering until the flavours mix seamlessly. This soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing essential vitamins such as vitamin C from tomatoes. Basil contributes additional vitamins, including vitamin K, essential for bone health. Together, they create a nourishing concoction that supports your child's immune system with every serving.

A sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, because of "its rapidly increasing spread". JN.1 has been found in many countries around the world, including India, China, UK and the United States, reports BBC. The risk to the public is currently low and current vaccines continue to offer protection, the WHO says. But it warns Covid and other infections could rise this winter. Respiratory viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere. China emerged from 'zero-COVID' in 2023 to confront new challenges in a changed world The virus which causes Covid is constantly changing over time and sometimes this leads to new variants developing. Omicron has been the globally dominant variant for some time. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently tracking a number of variants of interest linked to Omicron - including JN.1 - although none of them are deemed to be concerning. But JN.1 is spreading quickly in many corners of the world. It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for 15-29% of infections. Bangladesh among 5 countries selected for project to strengthen preparedness to COVID-19, other infectious diseases The UK Health Security Agency says JN.1 currently makes up around 7% of positive Covid tests analysed in a lab. It said it would continue to monitor all available data on this and other variants. Winter surge JN.1 is spreading fast in all regions, probably because it has an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to the BA.2.86 variant from which it's descended. "It is anticipated that this variant may cause an increase in Sars-Cov-2 [coronavirus] cases amid a surge of infections of other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season," the WHO's risk assessment says. There is still limited evidence on how capable JN.1 is of getting round the immunity offered by vaccines, the WHO says. Bangladesh registers 5 new Covid-19 cases in 24hrs There are no reports of people becoming more ill with this variant than previous ones. But more studies are needed to work out the health impact, the WHO says, as the number of countries reporting data on people admitted to hospital with Covid has dramatically reduced. To prevent infections and severe disease, the WHO advises: • wear a mask in crowded, enclosed areas• cover up coughs and sneezes• clean your hands regularly• stay up to date with Covid and flu vaccinations, especially if vulnerable• stay home if ill• get tested if you have symptoms

Winter brings chilly foggy weather. The plummeting temperatures and fluctuating weather conditions pave the way for seasonal illnesses. Many people suffer from common colds, coughs, sore throat, and flu during the cold months.  However, nature has bestowed us with a remedy – herbal teas. These comforting brews warm the soul and offer relief from the common winter illnesses. 10 Teas for Relief from Cough and Flu this Winter Peppermint Tea Peppermint tea is renowned for its refreshing taste and soothing aroma. This tea can aid in  combating colds. Its menthol content helps clear nasal passages and alleviate sore throats, offering a revitalising experience. This herbal infusion holds various health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing headaches, and promoting relaxation.  To brew, simply steep peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Then strain, and enjoy the comforting warmth and healing properties of this invigorating tea. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Ginger Tea The robust and spicy essence of ginger tea makes it an effective remedy against winter illnesses. Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it aids in alleviating nausea, reducing congestion, and boosting the immune system. Its health benefits extend to aiding digestion, soothing upset stomachs, and providing relief from muscle soreness.  To prepare ginger tea, simmer sliced ginger in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Next, strain, and savour the potent blend of warmth and health-boosting elements in this invigorating brew. Read more: Top 10 Kidney Cleansing Teas with Recipes Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea is famed for its soothing nature. It offers a gentle yet potent remedy. Its anti-inflammatory properties not only alleviate throat soreness but also induce relaxation, aiding in improved sleep quality during illnesses. Health-wise, this tea can support digestive health, reduce anxiety, and may relieve menstrual discomfort.  For preparation, steep dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes and allow the floral essence to infuse the liquid. It creates a comforting brew that soothes both body and mind. Turmeric Tea Turmeric tea is of a radiating golden hue. This tea is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prowess. It effectively eases sore throats, clears congestion, and fortifies the body's immune system. Its health benefits span from supporting joint health and reducing inflammation to aiding digestion and improving skin conditions. Read more: Health benefits of floral teas: 10 blends you can try To prepare, simmer grated turmeric root or powder in hot water for 10-15 minutes. After that add a dash of black pepper and a hint of honey for enhanced absorption and a touch of sweetness.  Green Tea Green tea is celebrated for its abundant antioxidants and serves as a versatile elixir. It bolsters the immune system, diminishes inflammation, and fosters holistic well-being. Its health benefits encompass enhancing brain function, assisting weight management, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.  To prepare green tea, steep green tea leaves in hot water (not boiling) for 2-3 minutes then allow the delicate flavours to infuse. It creates a revitalising brew. Embrace the wholesome goodness and rejuvenating qualities of green tea with every sip. Read more: These are the 10 Most Expensive Teas in the World

As the world recovers from the devastating blow of Covid 19, another virus is shaping up to be a looming threat. We are talking about Adenovirus of the family Adenoviridae. This virus has been on the rise in India, especially in West Bengal. This life-threatening virus causes prolonged flu-like illness in children. As the cases rise, now is a better time than ever to understand the symptoms, causes, preventions and treatments of Adenovirus.  What is Adenovirus?  Adenovirus belongs to the wider Adenoviridae family. The virus itself is relatively small compared to its other family branches. What’s surprising here is that Adenovirus has over 50 different types of mutations which affect the human body, especially children in different ways.  Adenoviruses are non-enveloped with double-stranded DNA that acts as their genetic material. The non-enveloped structure helps them to survive outside a host body for an extended period.  Read More: Happiness Hormone: Ways to Boost Dopamine The most common illness caused by Adenovirus includes respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal infections. Sometimes the effect of Adenovirus can get compounded. A person with a weakened immune system like an HIV AIDS patient or someone undergoing chemotherapy might fall severely ill due to Adenovirus.  How Does Adenovirus Transmit?  Adenoviruses are highly contagious and can use several different means of contamination. It spreads from one person to another through bodily fluids like urine, saliva, and blood. The infected person needs to be quarantined as soon as they show symptoms of prolonged flu combined with a weakened immune system. There are several ways through which Adenovirus can get into a healthy person.  - If a carrier of Adenovirus sneezes or coughs in front of a healthy person, they might get infected with respiratory droplets.  - If a healthy person comes in contact with any surface previously used or touched by the contaminated person. - If there is any form of physical contact. Especially around the eyes, mouth, or nose.  - Sexual contact with an infected person can also cause Adenovirus to spread. It often leads to secondary genital infections.  - Using the same utensils as used by the infected person.  Read More: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention Symptoms of Adenovirus  The symptoms of Adenovirus differ from variant to variant. Depending on the variant a person contracts, they might notice different symptoms which are completely unrelated to one another. Sometimes the symptoms can even get compounded.  The general symptoms include.  - Cough, fever, runny nose, and chills. These are signs of bronchitis-related Adenovirus infection.  - A sore throat, stuffy nose, and swollen glands might be indicators of respiratory Adenovirus infection.  - Barking cough, trouble, and noise while breathing - Otitis media  - Pneumonia  - Diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and stomach pain  - Meningitis - Infection of the urinary tract - Swelling around the eye  Read More: 11 Home Remedies for Cough in Kids Among these symptoms, persistent fever and swollen eyes are serious signs of aggravated Adenovirus infection in children. Contact the pediatrician as soon as possible in such cases.  How to Diagnose Adenovirus? Adenovirus infection can be diagnosed in several ways. All of these involve lab tests and some of which are pretty common due to the similar diagnostic procedure to Covid 19.  Viral culture Viral culture is the traditional way of detecting the presence of viruses in body fluids. A sample of the patient's bodily fluid, such as blood, urine, or respiratory secretions, can be collected and checked whether there is the presence of Adenovirus in the body.  Read More: Bonnell Vs Pocket Spring Mattress: Which is the Best for Good Sleep?

During the winter season, many people suffer from colds and flu. Soups are always soothing and easy to consume for people of all ages. Healthy soups packed with immunity-boosting ingredients not only help fight colds, and congestion but also keep the body nourished and hydrated. Here are 5 healthy soups recipes to cure a cold and fight against the flu and virus. 5 Homemade Soups for Cold and Flue Season Coconut Ginger Carrot Soup Ingredients 2 tsp olive oil or water, 1 onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 5 cups peeled and chopped carrots, 3 cups vegetable stock, 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, salt, and pepper, as needed Instructions First, take a pan, put oil and fry the onion and the garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft. If you want to prepare oil-free soup, use water or broth in lieu of oil. Then add ginger, carrot, spices, and a pinch of salt and pepper again. Cook for 1 minute and stir constantly. Now add coconut milk and vegetable broth, uncovered for about 20 minutes, and cook as long as the carrots are tender.  When the carrots become tender, remove the soup from the stove and allow it cool. Now blend the soup and transfer it to the pan again. Season the soup with seasoning and serve warm.  Read More: Cold Remedies: Best, worst drinks to boost immune, fight sickness Immune-Boosting Vegetable Soup Ingredients  3 carrots, 1 medium/large sweet white onion, 1 medium/large onion; use white and pale green parts, 2 medium or 1 large sweet potatoes,  8 ounces white mushrooms, juice of 1 medium/large lemon,  2 to 3-inch piece peeled fresh ginger,  2 to 3 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 tablespoon ground turmeric,  1 tablespoon ground black pepper,  salt, to taste; about 6 quarts water Instructions First, take a large pot and put all ingredients and mix well with black pepper. Then pour water into the pot and cook for about 1 hour. Cook for more extra time if needed or until all vegetables are very soft. Add more water if required and boil properly after adding water. Now your vegetable soup is ready to serve. You can preserve it in the refrigerator for about 1 week and in the freezer for about 6 months. Read More: 7 Homemade Drinks for Sore Throat Healing Green Tea and Chickpea Soup Ingredients 2 cups chicken stock, 2 small carrots, 1/2 stick celery,1/2 can chickpeas, 1 tsp chopped basil, 1 bag green tea, black pepper, 1 wholemeal tortilla, 1 small clove garlic, coconut spray oil, salt Instructions Take a pan and put the broth into the pot. Then wait for the boiling. After boiling, add the carrots, celery, and chickpeas and cook for 8 minutes. Now add the basil and drop in the green tea bag. Cook for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, put away the tea bag, season the soup with black pepper let it cool.  Read More: Masala Tea Health Benefits: How Can It Improve Your Immunity Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients 2 quarts water, 8 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules, 6-1/2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles, 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, 3 cups cubed cooked chicken, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup fresh parsley Instructions First, take a large pot and pour water and bouillon into the pot. Then add noodles. Uncover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes or as long as the noodles become tender. Make sure you do not drain the noodles. Now add soup and chicken with cooked noodles and heat through. Take the pot away from the stove and mix the sour cream. Spread the minced parsley. Serve warm.  Read More: Immunity Booster Herbal Teas to Prevent Infection Beef Lentil Soup Ingredients 1 pound lean beef,  1 can tomato, 4 cups water, 1 cup dried lentils, 2 cups chopped cabbage, 1 cup sliced carrots, one cup sliced celery, 1 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup diced green pepper, half teaspoon pepper, 1 bay leaf, 1 package frozen chopped spinach  Instructions First, take a large deep pan and cook beef over medium for about 5-7 minutes. Then disintegrate the meat and drain. Now add the tomato juice, water, lentils, cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, green pepper, pepper, and bay leaf. Let them boil together. After boiling minimize the heat and cook for 1-1/2 hours or as long as the lentils and vegetables are tender. Add spinach and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve warm.  Read More: How to Keep Kids Well During Flu Season

During flu season many viruses peak in activity and make children sick. It is frustrating and exhausting for parents, especially for working parents when one or more children are sick at home, and unable to attend childcare or school. It is necessary to focus on your doing to keep your kids healthier during cold and flu season. Check out here some proven tips to keep your lovely kids healthy during flu season.  Ways to prevent your children from catching cold, Flu Make kids wash hands frequently You can find a variety of great resources available to teach your children effective handwashing techniques. Remember that handwashing is still one of the most important practices that reduce the spread of the flu and other illnesses.  The earlier you can teach this skill and the faster you can impart how important it is to maintain a good hygiene routine the better!  Your children always follow you, so modeling this behavior is a great way to install good habits. Read Child Drowning Prevention: Water safety tips to save your kid from drowning Kids are habituated to often touching their mouths and faces. So you should make sure your kids wash their hands with soap and water to remove germs before eating, after using the bathroom, and when they come inside from playing.  Plenty of Sleep If you want to stay well, take enough and proper sleep. It is true for adults and children as well. Lack of sleep generally weakens the immune system and at the same time increases the risk of getting sick. Children need at least 9 to 14 hours of sleep a day depending on their age.  Without enough proper sleep, children become exhausted which means their body doesn’t have the energy to devote to fighting off infection. So, maintain a normal sleep schedule for your children to improve their overall mood and alertness. Besides, it can be instrumental in keeping your children well during the flu season.  Read Child Proof Kitchen: How to Keep Your Kitchen Safe for Kids Get Moving Staying active is as important as sleep. It is also a good wellness routine. Regular and moderate exercise boosts children’s immune systems. So, always inspire and ask your children to get up and get moving.  Some research has shown that activeness can help reduce cold and flu episodes.  Make sure your kids keep continuing playing. For older kids, sports can be a great way to burn energy and boost their immune systems.  However, if you think sports aren’t an option for your kid, tell them just simply get up and move around both indoors and outdoors. This is also beneficial.   Nutrition Eating nutritious food keeps us healthy and fit along with enabling our immune system to function properly.  By providing plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, you can help boost children’s immune systems. Although getting your kids to choose healthy snacks over chips or sugary foods can be difficult, even small changes can help.  Read Stranger Danger: How to teach children safety rules for unknown, unsafe people Taking a well-balanced diet is another area of health that your children replicate when they see you doing it.  Give them foods high in vitamin C and D and avoid foods high in additives, preservatives, and sugars. Mindful You need to remember that stress is also related to staying well.  Generally, when we’re stressed for a long time, our overall immunity decreases.  That’s why it is important to encourage your kids to rest and relax. In this regard, creative play can be a way to unwind.  As sometimes children cannot learn how to interact with their surroundings, things can get a little overwhelming for them.  So, make them practice mindfulness to keep stress down. Teach them how to cope with complex situations. Read Habit of Saving: How to teach your child good saving habit Stay Home During flu season as cold or flu symptoms are available outside, it’s best to keep them home.  If you can keep your kids free of major symptoms means they’re in the clear, but you know your kids better than anyone else.  Avoid germy sharing Undoubtedly, sharing is good for kids and they should learn it from the early stage of life.  But make sure they don’t share common items like straws, cups, scarves, or anything that comes in contact with their mouths and faces with others, especially if they are attracted by the flu as these items can be breeding grounds for germs.  Most importantly, tell them to Wear a Mask in commonplace because a mask is a practical way to prevent the spread of the flu.   Read Effects of Domestic Violence on Children Vaccinations Up To Date Make sure that your children and other family members are up to date on their vaccinations. Special Tips for newborns/ infants First two months The first two months are the most crucial moments. So, be on high alert this time and keep the baby away from crowded places such as shopping malls and grocery stores. Covered when in public places Cover your baby with a thin blanket when you are in a public place to avoid a worse touch. Read Newborn Baby, Infant Care Tips during Summer Always carry disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer Use disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer every time before touching the baby.  Breastfeed frequently if possible Breastfeeding gives antibodies to your baby which gives your little one an extra line of defense.  Get your shots As babies can't get the flu vaccine until they're six months old, so you are urged to get vaccines for flu and pertussis. Read Postpartum Depression, Mood Swings: How can new moms deal with these issues? Special tips for toddlers   - Stay on top of routine vaccines. - Keep little hands clean. - Tips to encourage good hand hygiene. - Consult with your family doctor. - Stay prepared with a sick kit. - Ways to help stop the spread. Special tips for school-going children - Get your child's flu shot - Prevent the spread of germs by Uing a tissue at the time of cough or sneeze. - Make them wash their hands with soap and clean water. - Reminding children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. - Provide sanitizers to your child’s classroom. - Keep away from sick people and stay home if you are sick - Reinforce healthy habits at home and school. Read Creative Toys for Children to Foster Creativity Staying Away from Electronics Bottom Line During the season of Flu kids may catch cold easily through contraction with sick people or transmission of virus. The parents, caregivers as well as older members of the family should stay cautious. Prevention is better than cure. So far, we have mentioned some practical and effective tips to keep children away from flu and cold. Follow this measures to protect your children from catching colds, and flu. However, if the child still gets affected, consult with a doctor without delay.

Cold and flu season is upon us. In fact, it starts as early as October!  Sometimes people think they have the "flu", but it can be really a bad chest cold or other respiratory illness. If anyone is coughing so hard that they throw up from the deep expelling of air, if the fever is 100 with a sign of breaking through ibuprofen/ Tylenol or the person can't stop sneezing then the person might have attacked with flu and cold. If anyone catches one of these viruses and before it turns into something worse that can land a patient in the hospital, the person may seek remedies as soon as possible. Further, there are natural ways to prevent such colds and flu in the winter. The Common Natural Ways to Prevent Cold and Flu in the Winter The following part of this article will show you some effective natural ways to avoid catching a cold or getting ill with flu in the cold season. If you read on, you will find out which foods can help boost your immune system and fight off the nasty germs that spread when temperatures start to fall. Vitamin C It is probably known by everyone that vitamin C is good for boosting our immune system, but not all of us know that it has an antiviral effect too! Vitamin C helps our body to produce white blood cells more quickly, which is the main part of the immune system. According to researches, people with low level of vitamin C are more likely to get upper respiratory tract infections (like cold or flu) than those who have enough vitamin C in their body. Oranges, limes, leafy greens, grapefruits and vegetables are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Read How to Bathe Babies during Winter? Zinc This mineral boosts the immune system in a variety of ways. First of all, it helps white blood cells fight against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Secondly, zinc increases the number of interferons produced in our body, these are proteins which help us fight off infections more quickly. Thirdly, zinc is believed to block receptors in the nose or airways which are responsible for influenza virus entering inside of our bodies while we breathe. Taking 8-11mg of zinc per day is recommended for the immune system during cold months, but be careful if you take too much - it can cause nausea and vomiting. Garlic An herb that boosts the immune system since it contains powerful ingredients called allicin, which stimulate production of white blood cells. It's also good to eat raw garlic because cooking may destroy its healing properties. Hence, adding garlic in the diet will reduce the severity of cold. Read Breast Cancer Prevention: How to Cut Your Risk?

COVID-19 has now killed about as many Americans as the 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic did — approximately 675,000. The U.S. population a century ago was just one-third of what it is today, meaning the flu cut a much bigger, more lethal swath through the country. But the COVID-19 crisis is by any measure a colossal tragedy in its own right, especially given the incredible advances in scientific knowledge since then and the failure to take maximum advantage of the vaccines available this time. “Big pockets of American society — and, worse, their leaders — have thrown this away,” medical historian Dr. Howard Markel of the University of Michigan said of the opportunity to vaccinate everyone eligible by now. Like the Spanish flu, the coronavirus may never entirely disappear from our midst. Instead, scientists hope it becomes a mild seasonal bug as human immunity strengthens through vaccination and repeated infection. That could take time. “We hope it will be like getting a cold, but there’s no guarantee,” said Emory University biologist Rustom Antia, who suggests an optimistic scenario in which this could happen over a few years. For now, the pandemic still has the United States and other parts of the world firmly in its jaws. Read: Global Covid update: Vaccines put the brakes on pandemic's advance While the delta-fueled surge in infections may have peaked, U.S. deaths are running at over 1,900 a day on average, the highest level since early March, and the country’s overall toll topped 675,000 Monday, according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University, though the real number is believed to be higher. Winter may bring a new surge, with the University of Washington’s influential model projecting an additional 100,000 or so Americans will die of COVID-19 by Jan. 1, which would bring the overall U.S. toll to 776,000. The 1918-19 influenza pandemic killed 50 million victims globally at a time when the world had one-quarter the population it does now. Global deaths from COVID-19 now stand at more than 4.6 million. The Spanish flu’s U.S. death toll is a rough guess, given the incomplete records of the era and the poor scientific understanding of what caused the illness. The 675,000 figure comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ebbing of COVID-19 could happen if the virus progressively weakens as it mutates and more and more humans’ immune systems learn to attack it. Vaccination and surviving infection are the main ways the immune system improves. Breast-fed infants also gain some immunity from their mothers. Under that optimistic scenario, schoolchildren would get mild illness that trains their immune systems. As they grow up, the children would carry the immune response memory, so that when they are old and vulnerable, the coronavirus would be no more dangerous than cold viruses. The same goes for today’s vaccinated teens: Their immune systems would get stronger through the shots and mild infections. “We will all get infected,” Antia predicted. “What’s important is whether the infections are severe.” Something similar happened with the H1N1 flu virus, the culprit in the 1918-19 pandemic. It encountered too many people who were immune, and it also eventually weakened through mutation. H1N1 still circulates today, but immunity acquired through infection and vaccination has triumphed. Read: US panel backs COVID-19 boosters only for seniors, high-risk Getting an annual flu shot now protects against H1N1 and several other strains of flu. To be sure, flu kills between 12,000 and 61,000 Americans each year, but on average, it is a seasonal problem and a manageable one. Before COVID-19, the 1918-19 flu was universally considered the worst pandemic disease in human history. Whether the current scourge ultimately proves deadlier is unclear. In many ways, the 1918-19 flu — which was wrongly named Spanish flu because it first received widespread news coverage in Spain — was worse. Spread by the mobility of World War I, it killed young, healthy adults in vast numbers. No vaccine existed to slow it, and there were no antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. And, of course, the world was much smaller. Yet jet travel and mass migrations threaten to increase the toll of the current pandemic. Much of the world is unvaccinated. And the coronavirus has been full of surprises. Markel said he is continually astounded by the magnitude of the disruption the pandemic has brought to the planet. “I was gobsmacked by the size of the quarantines” the Chinese government undertook initially, Markel said, “and I’ve since been gob-gob-gob-smacked to the nth degree.” The lagging pace of U.S. vaccinations is the latest source of his astonishment. Just under 64% of the U.S. population has received as least one dose of the vaccine, with state rates ranging from a high of approximately 77% in Vermont and Massachusetts to lows around 46% to 49% in Idaho, Wyoming, West Virginia and Mississippi. Globally, about 43% of the population has received at least one dose, according to Our World in Data, with some African countries just beginning to give their first shots. “We know that all pandemics come to an end,” said Dr. Jeremy Brown, director of emergency care research at the National Institutes of Health, who wrote a book on influenza. “They can do terrible things while they’re raging.” COVID-19 could have been far less lethal in the U.S. if more people had gotten vaccinated faster, “and we still have an opportunity to turn it around,” Brown said. “We often lose sight of how lucky we are to take these things for granted.” The current vaccines work extremely well in preventing severe disease and death from the variants of the virus that have emerged so far. Read: Washington Post editorial on COVID-19 origins distorts facts: Chinese embassy It will be crucial for scientists to make sure the ever-mutating virus hasn’t changed enough to evade vaccines or to cause severe illness in unvaccinated children, Antia said. If the virus changes significantly, a new vaccine using the technology behind the Pfizer and Moderna shots could be produced in 110 days, a Pfizer executive said Wednesday. The company is studying whether annual shots with the current vaccine will be required to keep immunity high. One plus: The coronavirus mutates at a slower pace than flu viruses, making it a more stable target for vaccination, said Ann Marie Kimball, a retired University of Washington professor of epidemiology. So, will the current pandemic unseat the 1918-19 flu pandemic as the worst in human history? “You’d like to say no. We have a lot more infection control, a lot more ability to support people who are sick. We have modern medicine,” Kimball said. “But we have a lot more people and a lot more mobility. ... The fear is eventually a new strain gets around a particular vaccine target.” To those unvaccinated individuals who are counting on infection rather than vaccination for immune protection, Kimball said, “The trouble is, you have to survive infection to acquire the immunity.” It’s easier, she said, to go to the drugstore and get a shot.

Influenza and COVID-19 have similar symptoms that people may need to get tested to know what’s making them miserable.