If my child has already had the flu this year, does that mean we're now in the clear?

Ask the School Nurse

If my child has already had the flu this year, does that mean we're now in the clear?

Unfortunately not. Usually when your sickness is caused by a virus, your body builds up a defense system against it. Your army of germ-fighting antibodies is so strong and lingers for a while even after you’re well again. So, the good news is that you won’t get that particular virus again.

But the flu is tricky. There are multiple viruses that cause the flu. So while your son developed immunity to one particular strain of the flu, he is not protected against all of them.

Even if your little one has already been sick, remind him that it’s important to practice proper hygiene all the time and remember three key stay-healthy habits:

Wash your hands frequently.
Cough into your elbow instead of your hands.
Avoid touching your face.

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ABOUT TODAY'S EXPERT:

Sniffle Solutions expert Renee Martin, a registered nurse, has been district nurse in the Clinton public school system in Mississippi for 13 years.