Flu Season
The holiday season is stressful enough, the last thing we want is a sick kid with a high fever and no energy or appetite to enjoy it. What few of us know is that viruses, particularly the influenza virus, rolls into high gear and kicks major ass when the ambient temperatures drop to around 40 degrees or so. Sure, contagion spreads when we're all inside huddled together against the wintry elements sharing spit and finger grime as lovingly as we can, but the virus has to get juiced before it travels anywhere. I bring this up because last night, Lukas (my 15 year-old) was studying World Geography with a friend when the temperatures dropped to below 40--but sans jacket. He had a short sleeve summer shirt and flip flops on. Of course we reassure ourselves with the old "he's part Norwegian so he's part polar bear" adage but he still had the sniffles this morning. So make sure your kiddos (and you) bundle up when it's cold!