Tips to Keep Your Children Healthy During the Holiday Colds

The holiday season, for sure, is a fun time for the kids. We mean who doesn’t love to gobble up on all the delicious foods, the hot chocolates, and open presents all while staying at home on a break from school? It sounds like heaven to our six-year-old self for sure!

However, as fun as the holiday season is, we cannot deny that it also comes packed with a whole lot of cold and flu symptoms. If you are someone with a little kid, then we are sure that you’d be worried about their health as the colder days approach, right?

Well, to help you with that, we have compiled a brief list of tips that can help keep your children healthy during the holiday colds. So, without any further ado; let’s just hop on below to learn how you can protect your little one from catching the cold.

The Top Ways to Keep Your Children Healthy During the Holiday Colds

Spending time with family and friends and exchanging gifts is a ritual for the holiday season. However, what one gift no one wants but often still comes in packed into our homes is the holiday cold.

According to OSF Healthcare, it is widespread among children. If you are a new parent who is trying to keep the holiday colds away from your children, then we have you covered. Here are all the tips that you should keep in mind.

1.  Washing Hands Properly

As parents, one thing we all can collectively agree on is that little children love to touch anything and everything. From their mouths and faces to the dirty floors, these little monsters love to get their hands everywhere. This can lead to them catching a lot of germs, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is a significant cause of many children catching colds and pneumonia.

Hence, as parents, you should make sure that your child’s hands are washed with soap and water properly, for instance, before they start eating, after they have used the washroom or when they come inside after playing. This will help remove germs from their hands and decrease their chances of getting sick.

2.  Get Plenty of Sleep

A break from school combined with the holiday season means a disrupted sleeping schedule for the children. While it may not seem like a big deal, not getting an adequate amount of sleep is one of the primary reasons why many children get sick. According to WHO, children need at least 9 to 14 hours of sleep a day depending on their age.

When they do not get a sufficient amount for a few days straight, sleep deprivation can weaken their immune system. This ultimately increases their chances of getting sick. Hence, getting plenty of sleep even during the holidays is one aspect a parent should consider for their children.

3.  Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Making sure that your children eat properly during the holiday season is another easy and simple way to avoid colds. Hence, as a parent, you must provide meals that have plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables.

The colorful plate will not only attract your children to complete all their meals but will also help strengthen their immune systems. Moreover, it is essential to provide them with winter essential foods like soups, hot chocolates, and all other delicacies to keep them warm from the inside.

4.  Make Sure to Keep the Germs Away

Many studies have shown that flu viruses can live and even infect people for up to 48 hours after they land on a surface. The worst part is that these germs often multiply on surfaces like coffee tables, toys, doorknobs, and even countertops!

Hence, for parents who have little kids who have a habit of touching a lot and getting their hands on surfaces, it is essential to sanitize the often-touched surfaces with anti-bacterial cleaners regularly.

5.  Get Vaccinated

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 14 million diseases can be prevented if vaccines are administered to children in a timely. While we understand that vaccines do not provide complete protection from the flu and cold, they still play a significant role in eliminating the chances of getting a cold or at least making it less severe. Hence, it is essential to ensure that you get your children the flu shot during the cold season.

Apart from flu shots or vaccines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are some diseases against which vaccines are recommended. Some of these are:

• Hepatitis A and B
• HPV
• Chickenpox
• Rotavirus
• Tetanus
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• Pneumococcal

6.  Layer them with Warm Clothes

Lastly, the most essential tip on our list happens to be layering your children with all the warm clothing. Dressing in layers is the best way to keep your children warm and toasty during the holiday colds and prevent them from catching the cold.

Dress them up with an extra layer of clothing and keep them bundled in boots, socks, gloves, and head coverings when stepping out. Keeping their exposure to the outside minimum will prevent them from catching the cold.

Wrapping It Up!

As first-time parents or those who have young kids, we understand that approaching colder days might scare you in terms of your child’s health. However, while the cold breeze may be strong, your fear of it shouldn’t be. Just follow the tips we have mentioned above, and trust us, your children will fight against the cold season with ease.

We hope this detailed and comprehensive article was sufficient enough to add to your knowledge. Stay tuned for more of such informative guides. Also, our staff at Healthy Kids Care at Sunrise is here to answer any questions or concerns; do leave a comment, if you have any!

In Health,

Dr. Atousa