Children easily can bring a cold or the flu home from school, but parents can take steps to keep the illnesses from spreading to other family members, says Mike Bradshaw, health and safety specialist with K-State Research & Extension.

Colds and flu can spread by way of a cough, sneeze or personal contact, so Bradshaw suggests the following tips to reduce the illnesses’ impact in the family:

¢ At the first sign of either illness, try to limit contact between the sick child and others who are well. This may mean setting up separate sleeping quarters. If possible, it should include using separate bathrooms or disinfecting the bathroom after each use by wiping down the counter or tub, using personal towels and keeping toothbrushes separate.

¢ Skip sharing any toys, books, games, etc. that the ill family member has used.

¢ Serve the sick person’s meals in the sickroom.

¢ Keep laundry from the sickroom separate from the family’s laundry.

¢ Wash hands often in hot soapy water, especially after contact with anyone who has a cold or the flu.