'Hygiene, Hygiene, Hygiene:' 3 Ways to Slow Flu Spread

Oklahoma is ranked number one on the Wagreen's Flu Index, with Oklahoma City also ranked number one against cities across the nation.

During this spike in illness, many schools are making tough decisions, including shifting to distance learning to disinfect classrooms and slow the spread.

Here are 3 things a pediatric doctor at Oklahoma Children's Hospital says parents can do on the home front.

Encourage Good Hygiene

"The main thing is hygiene, hygiene, hygiene," Dr. Ryan Brown, a pediatric emergency room doctor, said.

He also said parents can reiterate good habits that keep kids safe when they're around others at school.

"Kids go to school and kids interact at school. They share lunch, and they share drinks, and they share pencils and they share paper and they're just close to each other," Brown said.

Washing hands, refraining from sharing drinks, and covering their mouths when they cough, are just a few good reminders for kids.

Take Care of Your Body

Brown said a healthy immune system is more likely to fight off the flu.

"Allowing your body to recharge itself and heal itself like that is key," Brown said.

He recommends making sure your child gets enough sleep and eats a nutritious diet.

Sick Kids Stay Home

Brown said the best way to slow the spread is to keep sick kids isolated.

Keep them home and away from siblings when possible.

"Spreading it to other kids and spreading to other people, that's where you get concerned," Brown said.