Flu season is here. But with a shortage of flu vaccine, what’s the best way to keep your child from catching it?

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children’s Health Minute, presented by this station and TexCare--connecting families with children’s health insurance for 25-dollars a month or less.

Vaccination is not the only way to prevent influenza. Here are some simple steps that decrease a child’s risk of getting the flu.

First – make sure that they avoid contact with people who are sick.

Remind your child to wash his hands often to protect against germs.

Teach your child to avoid touching her eyes, nose or mouth to keep germs from entering the body.

And finally, make sure your child is getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, eating good food and drinking plenty of water.

And by the way, these steps work for grown-ups, too!

Keep your kids healthy. Call toll-free 1-877-KIDS NOW for information or when it’s time to renew your children’s health insurance. That’s 1-877-KIDS NOW.