Preparing for Virus Season

Wash your hands often, especially after being in public spaces. Use soap and warm water to wash for at least 20 seconds.

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The Critical Role of Hydration and Illness

If you do find yourself with symptoms of a virus, you need to hydrate. When recovering from symptoms of respiratory illness, your body needs fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Symptoms like fever, coughing, diarrhea and vomiting can easily cause the loss of key electrolytes and dehydrate the body especially if fluids and healthy foods are not consumed while recuperating from illnesses.

Water is key to regulating your body’s core temperature, and dehydration can exacerbate an existing fever. With our bodies made up of 2/3 water, small losses in body fluid can worsen or prolong a fever.

• Proper hydration levels can help your nose and lungs more effectively do their job, trapping and getting rid of small particles like viruses and bacteria when coughing and sneezing.
• Moisture also helps protect broken membranes in nasal passages so additional infectious organisms don't get into the body.
• Diarrhea and vomiting can cause significant and immediate loss of fluids and electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium. Oral electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte® have been recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics for decades for relieving mild to moderate dehydration related to acute gastroenteritis.

The immune system is the body’s defense against infections. When it’s working well, the immune system can help protect against illnesses and infections. There are several key factors that help keep your immune system healthy. Some of these factors include adequate rest, regular exercise, good hygiene, decreased stress, and a healthy diet.

Here are some tips on how to support immune health with good nutrition.

• Choose prebiotic and probiotic-containing foods that support a healthy gut flora – such as fruits, vegetables, kefir, yogurt, and kimchi – just to name a few.
• Fill each plate with produce, lean meats, dairy and healthy fats to get what you need to support your immune system.
  
• Key vitamins and minerals for supporting your immunity include vitamins A, C and E, as well as zinc. Find them in fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds and seafood, milk and beans.
  

If you believe you or your child have been exposed to a virus or are experiencing symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for advice.

*_{Each Pedialyte product has at least 1030 mg sodium per liter; leading sports drink has ~460 mg sodium per liter.}