With winter weather upon us, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect our family from illness this year. While it might seem like common sense to bundle up and avoid being out in the cold for too long, you can become sick just from being inside on a cold day! As with most things in life, prevention is key when it comes to illness and the winter season, so here are 5 essential tips to keep your children healthy this winter. You’ll be surprised at how simple these steps are and what an impact they can have on your children’s health and wellness!

1) Get the Flu Shot

An Influenza inactivated vaccine is a vaccine that protects you from getting the influenza virus type A or B type. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (2022), children 6 months to 8 years of age receiving their first influenza vaccine, who have not previously received a total of two or more doses in their lives, or whose influenza vaccination history is unknown will need two doses, given four weeks apart. Children who have a severe allergy to egg are recommended to be vaccinated in a hospital setting versus an outpatient facility. In addition, people who are diagnosed with Guillan-Barre Syndrome should contact their provider before administering it. 

2) Keep Their Hands Clean

One of the best ways to keep your little one healthy this winter is by keeping his or her hands clean.  Wash their hands frequently with warm soapy water for 20 seconds or more.

3) Cover Their Cough

Parents need to know how to detect if their child has a cold or the flu. If your child has a fever, congestion, and phlegm production, then they may have the flu. On the other hand, if they have an increased cough and clear nasal passage, then they may just have a cold. One of the most common mistakes made by parents when it comes to dealing with a cough is not covering it up properly. One should never blow on someone else’s face or touch them during this time because you can easily spread any germs that are on your hands. Cover the cough inside the sleeve or with a tissue.

4) Avoid Sick People

The most important way to avoid catching colds, the flu, and other winter illnesses is simple: stay away from people who already have them. 

Children should not visit sick friends or relatives in hospitals or nursing homes, and you should keep children at home if they are sick. If your child has a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more, don’t send him or her to school.

5) Helpful Chart to Identify the Difference Between a Flu or Cold

Copyright (CDC, 2022)