Cold and flu season is in full swing across the country. Every winter brings with it the dreaded flu season but this has been an especially worrisome one for many parents because of the threat of H1N1 influenza in addition to the seasonal flu. To keep kids healthy throughout the winter and flu season, parents can take several steps to promote healthy habits and prevent illness.
Wash your hands
You’ve heard it many times but that’s because it is so important! Frequent hand-washing is one of the very best ways to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Teach your kids to always wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing, sneezing or using a tissue, after having contact with anyone who is ill, and before touching the face, nose or eyes. Proper hand-washing uses warm water, soap, and lather for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Then rinse and dry hands thoroughly.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand
Coughing or sneezing into a hand can spread germs unless they are able to immediately wash their hands afterwards. Teach kids to cough or sneeze into the bend of their elbow if there is not a tissue available. Remind them to wash hands if using a tissue, since germs can be transferred from the tissue onto their hands.
Keep hydrated
Cold weather and indoor heating can cause mucous membranes to dry out and make them more susceptible to germs. Nose bleeds can occur and lips can crack and bleed. Dry hands can also be susceptible to germs if the skin cracks or bleeds. Drinking plenty of water and other hydrating fluids is an important part of staying healthy throughout the year and can boost the immune system which is especially helpful during cold and flu season. Use lotion and lip balm to prevent or heal broken skin so germs cannot enter. Humidifiers and vaporizers can add moisture to the air in your home and are useful to prevent dry skin and mucous membranes.
Eat healthy
To boost your child’s immune system, feed him a healthy diet. Junk food has little nutritional value and does not help support or build a strong immune system. If you are concerned your child is not getting adequate nutrition from his food, ask your child’s doctor about supplementing with a children’s multi-vitamin.
Exercise
Just because the weather may prevent outdoor activities doesn’t mean your child should stay on the couch in front of the tv or computer all day. Exercise is very important to keep your child healthy and strong throughout the winter months and there are plenty of ways to get moving indoors. Need some tips on how to keep your kid active this winter? Read my article “Keeping Your Kids Active When It’s Cold Outside”.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and toys
Another way to prevent the spread of germs and viruses is to clean and disinfect toys and surfaces such as doorknobs, light-switches, tables, sinks, bathtubs, and showers on a frequent basis. If your child does become ill, disinfect any toys that may have been contaminated before allowing other children to play with them.
Replace toothbrushes
If your child has a cold, the flu, or any respiratory or throat infection, replace her toothbrush every three days until the illness is over. In the case of strep throat, replace the toothbrush again when all of the antibiotic is gone. This will help prevent re-infection.
Keep sick kids at home
If your kid is sick, keep him home from school and daycare to prevent the spread of the illness. Most schools and daycares will not allow a child to return until the child has been fever-free for at least 24 hours or has been cleared by a doctor.
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