That crippling three-letter word’s gnawing at the minds of parents once again.

Throughout the tenure of this brace-yourself season in which we families are already ravaged by high heat costs while intentionally living in a climate where the air pummels our faces, we’re also dogged by worries of the flu.

What again, pray tell, do you winter-lovers find so magical about this time of year? Humor me.

In the meantime, there’s this unwelcome disease that’s returned once again, making headlines more brazenly than usual.

So I guess there’s no time like the present to offer a quick refresher course addressing ways to best arm yourself against the vile illness which bears an unreasonably cutesy sounding name – considering it’s a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization – the flu.

And one flu’s enough to make you feel like a cuckoo’s nest.

Each year, the CDC strongly urges families to get the flu vaccine.

Yes, we know. The immunization’s an early guess by medical pros and not a guarantee to hit the right strain.

But what’s a real strain is if you forgo protection.

You’re still better off with any form of shield to fight the flu, no matter how effective it may be.

And I think I speak for most infant-toting families – including my own – when I thank you.

Because wee ones fewer than six months aren’t old enough for the shot and wholly depend on that herd immunity.

We’re counting on you.

So here’s a standing ovation to inoculation.

That said, we know that man does not live on the flu shot alone.

The CDC advocates strongly for everyone to adopt great health habits this frigid face-pummeling season.

Here are some quick tips to help thwart that wretched flu, additionally to the flu shot:

• Wash your hands often – and remind your kids to do so too.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you’re sick to avoid spreading illness to others.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school.

To accomplish the adoption of healthy habits, the CDC also reminds us to get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

My husband and I are big believers in carrying hand sanitizer on the go. We’ve got it on us always; it’s flagged top parenting priority designation alongside diapers. Sanitizer keeps my sanity, if you will.

But this comes with a giant caveat – caution around children.

Here’s the dirt on cleanliness:

Hand sanitizers are often sweet-scented, sometimes colorful, thus appeasing to our teeniest of tots.

In a pinch, these cleansers seem the perfect solution to ward off germs from our kiddos’ hands, so it’s no wonder parents have them stashed in every corner of every house, purse, pocket.

However, hand sanitizer also contains 60-95 percent alcohol, according to a recent Time report. It should absolutely never be used on babies or toddlers. 

Hand washing is safest and most thorough, and if this option’s not available, non-toxic baby wipes are a better alternative with far less alcohol content.

According to the CDC, more than 70,000 children ingested hand sanitizer between 2011-2014 – both intentionally and unintentionally – and most of the kiddos were under five years of age.

Not only is alcohol content extremely dangerous when ingested by children – causing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and in a few cases, comas – but it causes serious eye irritation.

If you must use hand sanitizer on older children, be sure to supervise them and make sure they wipe their hands together immediately and thoroughly so that it is fully dried.

In the end, using the aforementioned CDC tips will help you stay healthy.

Get down with the flu shot, so you won’t be down for the count.

Here’s to riding out another frigid cold-and-flu season, as we dream of spring to come.

Brr!

— Michelle Cote is creative director of the Journal Tribune and a nationally-syndicated columnist. Rocking out to classics in her minivan with husband and three sons is totally her jam. Contact her at TheRookieMama@yahoo.com.