Flu - Stay away!

Lots of people have been asking about whether or not I've been seeing lots of cases of influenza lately.  My answer?  Not yet.  Every year, in the Charlotte, influenza starts to rear it's ugly head sometime after the 1st of the year, and usually lasts into March.  Already 3 weeks into January, we're still not seeing many (if any) cases of influenza, which is a great thing, but certainly not an indicator that we're out of the woods.  Experts are expecting the peak of influenza season to hit us sometime in February of this year.  So, is it time to panic?  No, but it is time to start thinking smartly.  I've made no secret of the fact that I'm a huge supporter of all children over 6 months of age getting a flu shot, so if you haven't done that yet, there's still time.  Also, get outdoors and get your kids outdoors - the weather in Charlotte has been pretty mild lately, so put off that homework until a little later in the afternoon and give them some good outdoor play time after school.  There is strong evidence to support that fresh air has positive effects on the body's immune system, and that being indoors in a closed space for long periods of time is one of the biggest factors in terms of why influenza spreads so easily during the winter months.  I'll keep everyone posted on influenza activity in the Charlotte area over the coming weeks.  In the meantime, make sure those kiddos are getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of exercise, and plenty of sleep....the three things that I consider to be the core components to good health!