This is a question I am asking myself.  It’s also a big topic of discussion at work and amongst friends with children.  I wasn’t in Hong Kong at the time of SARs, but I was in Toronto and on one particular weekend (when the first outbreak was detected) and I remember the Chinese malls being literally void of human presence.

But things are different now.  I have 2 young children who are considered high risk during flu season, nevermind the fact that there exists contagious drug resistant strains of the flu that seem to be spreading faster than a bush fire. 

So here’s how I am handling flu season (every season):

1. Washing hands is a must.  Once they enter the door, the first thing I do is wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap and warm water.
2. Wiping hands is a must when washing isn’t available.  My handy wet wipes are also just as critical as diapers - if not more so.  After the park, I will immediately wipe their hands down.  I think it’s also time to whip out the hand sanitizers.
3. Temperature taking.  I do this every morning and quite often throughout the day.  Although it is part of Vanessa’s school routine, I also make it routine at home.  Just a precaution.
4. Remind my kids to cough and sneeze covering their mouths.  Vanessa understands this, but of course, will sometimes forget.  I constantly need to remind her to do this because being proactive in prevention is just as key to being self-protective.
5. Doctor check ups.  When they are even slightly sick or have a low temperature, they will see the doctor.  Firstly, this is covered by insurance and secondly, you’re getting a professional opinion.  I will then decide whether they will take their meds (which is not very often - unless they are truly fevering).  I am NOT a big fan of the amount of meds they give you in Hong Kong.
6. Rest and water.  I continually pump my children with liquids, whether it’s in the form of soups, juice, water, fruit or whatever.  I also don’t make many exceptions for late bedtimes and ensure they are always in top notch health by controlled variables.  I also do this for myself.  For regular readers, you already know, my bedtime is 9:00 PM the latest.
7. Surgical masks are stocked.  My medicine cabinet is completed stocked with adults and childrens surgical masks.  My in-laws are fanatics about this - it’s because during SARs, there was insufficient amount of masks and I suppose it was a lesson learned.
8. Passports are up-to-date.  Paranoid?  You bet.  I am prepared to take my children out of the country if need be to ensure their saftey.  However, in this situation, it seems staying in Asia is safer than North America - but at least I have options.

I’m pretty sure you can find this list EVERYWHERE.  It serves to remind us how vigilant we need to be in order to keep these viruses at bay - and these activities don’t only apply in critical moments like this, but should be practiced regular habits - especially in Hong Kong where population density doesn’t help.

Photo courtesy of iStock Photos.