Protecting young children from getting the flu

The flu shot is recommended for everyone over 6 months old. So if you have an infant younger than that, then it's vital for everyone around them to do what they can to prevent spreading germs.

Gwen and Bill Meise are enjoying every moment with their 4 month old twin boys Joey and Billy.

"Sometimes you know we look at them and we can't believe they're our babies and they're just so perfect and healthy," said Gwen.

And as a nurse, Gwen knows what to do to help* keep them healthy. They're too young for flu shots so she's asking everyone who's around the twins to get vaccinated.

She also reminds visitors to wash their hands, and disinfect phones.

"Because they bring their phones around the babies. They take pictures, so you wash your hands, touch your phone, you defeat the purpose,"

Shoes are also left at the door to prevent tracking in germs where the babies will be crawling.

Gwen knows she's exposed to a lot of bacteria working at the hospital, so she showers and changes before picking them up once she gets home.

Doctor Jeff Seiden, medical director of Pediatrics at Virtua, agrees these are all great tactics, especially because the youngest babies are at a greater risk for infections.

"The most important thing is to protect the people around them. It's important we really practice good hand hygiene. Both children and adults who are around babies are washing their hands with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer," Dr. Seiden said.

He also recommends kids limit face to face contact.

Gwen and Bill know they can't prevent every illness but they're hoping to help their boys avoid any serious infections.

"I think what we have is pretty basic, handwashing is great when you have a new baby or don't," Gwen said.

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