Best Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu during the Sick Season

No one likes being sick. That queasy feeling, the tiredness, the runny nose, and endless coughing. We all know how miserable we feel when we’re sick; when our kids get sick we’d like for them to be feeling better almost instantly.

There are tips and tricks for staying healthy during those months in fall and winter when everyone else around us seem to be getting one cold after another.

Here are the best ways to prevent colds and flu during the sick season:

• Teach your children healthy habits. Get them into a hand washing routine, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and anytime they have been playing or involved in activities with other children. Doorknobs, handles, toys and more are loaded with germs and when your child comes into frequent contact with these, it’s best to head for the soap and water.
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze. Grab your inner elbow when you feel a sneeze coming on. Or a tissue will do just as well. Don’t let the germs fly around; this is the perfect way to spread the misery.
• Get plenty of sleep and bundle up. Dress your children for the weather. If it’s freezing temps when you’re not expecting it, get out the winter coats and extra scarves and hats. Young children benefit from at least 11-13 hours of sleep every night, so make sure they are getting adequate rest.
• If you need to break out the medicine, make sure it’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give your little ones aspirin, and never give anything under the age of 7 months without consulting your Phoenix pediatrics office.
• Eat healthy foods. Avoid all of the fast food junk. Stick with good old fashioned chicken soup, vegetables, and fruits. There are so many delicious recipes that will have your children finishing every meal and asking for more.
• Ensure a vaccination schedule for children. Make sure they are always up to date with all of their immunizations, and have them get a flu vaccine every year. It won’t make them sick and will help to keep them from getting illnesses they don’t need.
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer in their rooms to ensure the air stays moist overnight.

These are great ways to make sure your children will have a fighting chance at staying healthy this winter. These health tips for kids are some of the best things you can do for them.