Cold and flu season is upon us, and it’s more important than ever to make sure our kids stay healthy. With the proper precautions, you can help keep your kids healthy and prevent sickness from taking over your home.
From proper nutrition to frequent handwashing, there are a variety of ways to keep your kids healthy during cold and flu season. Here are some tips to keep your family healthy this winter.
Prioritize healthy eating during cold and flu season
A healthy diet can do wonders for your child’s health. During cold and flu season, it’s important to make sure kids are getting enough vitamins and nutrients to help boost their immune systems. Eating foods in their natural state, including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a healthy diet.
Your child might also benefit from a multivitamin to give them a boost, especially if they aren’t eating a balanced diet. If your child is finicky, reach out for support if you need some help to build a better eater. Be sure to talk with your health care professional if you have nutritional concerns for your child.
Make sure kids get enough sleep
During cold and flu season, it’s important for kids to get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for immune system health, and it can help your child stay healthy. Sleep can even help with the symptoms of a cold or the flu, as well as allergies.
If your child doesn’t get enough sleep, they’re more likely to get sick. To help your child get enough sleep, follow a bedtime routine, avoid electronics before bed, and keep the lights dim. You can also try natural sleep aids, like lavender essential oils and supplements made for relaxation and sleep.
Teach kids to wash their hands
Washing your hands regularly is one of the best ways to prevent illness. This can be hard for kids to remember to do, especially if they’re young. To keep your kids from forgetting to wash their hands, make it a part of their daily routine.
Use visual cues of pictures or written schedules to help with daily routines. You can also try using kid-friendly soap dispensers that make it more fun for kids to wash their hands. Make sure you have hand sanitizer nearby as well, especially if your kids are in daycare.
Disinfect surfaces regularly
Kids are naturally messy, and cold and flu season is the worst for germs. To help keep your home clean and safe, it’s important to disinfect surfaces regularly. Cleaning and disinfecting the toilet, the kitchen, and any other shared surfaces should be part of your regular cleaning routine, especially during cold and flu season.
You can make it easier on yourself by using disinfecting sprays and wipes to help kill germs quickly. You should also disinfect toys and stuffed animals if they’re frequently used by more than one child.
Encourage outdoor play
Kids like to play outside, and it can also help keep them healthy. Cold and flu season is the perfect time to encourage outdoor play. Playing outside can help your child get plenty of exercise, which can help boost their immune system. It can also help your child sleep better at night.
Exercising also releases endorphins, which can make your child feel happier and less likely to get sick. Make sure your child washes their hands regularly and wears clean shoes when they come inside.
Avoid contact with those who are sick
If your child comes into contact with someone who is sick, it’s important that they take certain precautions. For starters, make sure your child isn’t sharing food, drinks, or water bottles with anyone who is sick. They should also avoid close contact with sick people, such as hugging or sitting very close to them.
You can also encourage your child to wear a mask when they’re around sick people to help prevent the spread of germs. If your child comes into contact with someone who is sick, they should immediately wash their hands and you'll want to disinfect the items they came in contact with. They should also limit their exposure to others and take frequent breaks to rest and get hydration.
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All blog content shared through HealthSmart! Kids is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as medical advice. Always talk with your qualified health care provider for managing your health care needs.
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