<s>[INST] Can I Prevent Future Ear Infections? [/INST] Some ear infections are difficult to prevent, but parents can take steps to help their children stay healthy. Make sure your child stays away from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke can prevent their ear tubes from working properly. Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their face, which may deter bacteria that cause ear infections. Also, keep your child up to date with their yearly vaccines and flu shots. Finally, breastfeeding can give an infant valuable protection against ear infections. If possible, breastfeed your child until he or she is at least 12 months old. Source: health.fmolhs.org. Link: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/ear-infections-in-kids-faqs/. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>