Keep Your Kids Healthy This Winter
The chill of winter is unavoidable for your kids — no matter how much you bundle them up or determine to keep them indoors, a trip into the frigid temperatures is inevitable. But the drop in mercury isn’t the only concern. This season is also notorious for colds and flus, particularly in schools and daycares where germs can easily spread from one child to the next. So, what can you do to keep your children safe and healthy? Check out a few tips to care for your kids’ well-being during the winter months.
Dress for the Weather
Because children are smaller, their bodies tend to lose heat faster than adults’ bodies do, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Before your children head out for winter activities like snowball fights and sledding, pay attention to the weather — not just the temperature, but the wind chill too. Dress your kids in layers and minimize the amount of exposed skin. If their clothes become wet, change them ASAP. Finally, while your kids may have plenty of fun playing in the snow, remember to take them inside for breaks to warm up.
Prevent the Spread of Germs
By nature, kids have some unhygienic tendencies. In social settings like schools and daycares, this can lead to the prevalence of germs and illness. Just as parents should teach kids proper manners, children should also learn ways to prevent colds and flus from spreading. For example, instead of sneezing or coughing into their hands, teach kids to do so into their elbow. Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds; try getting kids to sing “Happy Birthday” while washing hands to give them a frame of reference for how long they should take. Frequently touched surfaces like tables, desks, countertops, and doorknobs can also be breeding grounds for germs, so remember to clean and sanitize these surfaces.
Get Immunized
Staying up to date on your children’s vaccinations and immunizations can greatly help reduce the severity of common respiratory illnesses like the flu. According to the CDC, children ages 6 months and older should be immunized for both the flu and COVID-19. To prevent the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pregnant mothers should receive the RSV vaccine or babies should be immunized with an RSV monoclonal antibody.
We’re here for your family this winter. Courtney Elliott, CPNP-PC sees pediatric patients at the Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic at 100 W. 15th St. in Beardstown. To schedule an appointment, call (217) 323-2245.