A young child lies in bed with a thermometer in their mouth, looking unwell, accompanied by a teddy bear with a red bow

10 Must-Know Tips for Protecting Your Kids from the Flu in Cold Weather

Are you dreading the cold season for fear of your children catching the flu? Do you feel like you’re out of options for keeping them healthy? You’re not alone. Many parents feel helpless against the onslaught of the flu season. However, there are effective strategies to safeguard your kids. As a pediatrician in Baylor Frisco, we want to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy this winter. 

Here are the top 10 tips for protecting your kids from catching the flu bug when it’s cold outside.

1. Get the Flu Shot

The single most important thing you can do is get your child vaccinated against the flu. The flu shot reduces the risk of catching the flu by 40-60%. All kids over 6 months old should get a flu shot every year. It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination to develop protection, so try to get it done by the end of October. The flu shot can’t give your child the flu, that’s a myth! Any side effects are mild, like soreness or low-grade fever. Much better than coming down with influenza.

Make sure to ask your pediatrician about the quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against 4 strains of the flu virus. The strains included in the vaccine are determined each year based on research of which strains are most likely to circulate that season. Getting vaccinated not only protects your child, but also reduces the spread of the flu to siblings, classmates, and others in the community who may be vulnerable to complications.

2. Wash Hands Frequently

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop germs from spreading. Make sure your kids wash with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Pay extra attention after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or nose blowing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Set a good example by washing your hands often too!

3. Use Tissues for Coughs and Sneezes

When kids sneeze or cough, germs and viruses can travel 6 feet or more! Remind your little ones to cover up with a tissue, then throw it away and wash hands immediately. If tissues aren’t handy, coughing or sneezing into the elbow is the next best option to avoid spreading germs via hands.

Stock up on boxes of tissues and place them strategically around your home and in bags for on the go. Show your child how to cover the mouth and nose fully when sneezing or coughing into a tissue. Explain that this stops the germs from spraying out and contaminating surfaces around them. Practice proper tissue cough/sneeze etiquette.

4. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Cold and flu viruses can live on doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes, keyboards and other surfaces for up to 48 hours. Disinfect frequently touched objects and areas at least once a day using antibacterial wipes, Lysol spray, or other disinfectants. This will kill lurking germs and help block transmission.

When a family member is sick, step-up cleaning efforts. Disinfect surfaces several times a day, especially in the bedroom and bathroom of the sick person. Use disposable gloves, and throw away any tissues immediately after use. Launder bedding, pajamas, and towels often on the hottest setting items can tolerate. Limit sharing cups, utensils, and toys when someone is ill.

5. Maintain a Healthy Diet

A nutritious diet is essential for a strong immune system. Ensure your kids consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Foods high in vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc can boost the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

6. Stay Active

Regular physical activity can strengthen the immune system and help ward off illnesses like the flu. Encourage your kids to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, even in cold weather. Indoor activities, such as dancing, yoga, or indoor swimming, can be good alternatives during the colder months.

7. Humidify the Air

Dry air allows flu viruses to thrive and travel farther. Run a humidifier in your child’s bedroom to keep moisture levels around 40-50%. This makes it harder for the flu to spread through tiny airborne droplets. Just remember to clean humidifiers according to directions to avoid growing mold and bacteria in standing water.

Choose a cool mist humidifier for the safest option for kids. Place it away from walls and furniture to allow proper moisture distribution. Make sure to monitor the water level and refill as needed. Empty the tank, rinse thoroughly, and disinfect with a dilute bleach solution at least weekly, or more often if anyone in the home is sick. Proper humidifier hygiene prevents spread of bacteria and viruses.

8. Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

Hands pick up germs, which can enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Remind kids to keep their hands away from their faces as much as possible. If they do touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, make sure they wash their hands right after.

One way to break face-touching habits is by keeping kids’ hands occupied with activities, toys, and games so they are less likely to mindlessly reach toward their face. Praise your child when you notice them stopping themselves from face-touching. Set a good example for your kids too by resisting touching your own eyes, mouth and nose.

9. Monitor for Symptoms

Be vigilant in watching for early flu symptoms like high fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, nausea, and fatigue. The flu comes on fast, usually within 1 to 7 days after exposure. Kids under 5 and those with medical conditions are most vulnerable to flu complications like pneumonia. Call your pediatrician promptly if your child develops flu symptoms.

Don’t send your child to school or childcare if you suspect the flu, keep them home to rest and recover. Let the school know your child has the flu symptoms so they can monitor for clusters of illness. 

10. Dress Appropriately for the Weather

Keeping warm in cold weather can help prevent illnesses. Dress your children in layers and ensure they wear hats, gloves, and scarves when going outside. Keeping the body warm can help maintain a strong immune defense against viruses.

If your child shows early flu symptoms, take advantage of our Same-Day Sick Visits at Entirely Kids Pediatrics for immediate care and peace of mind.

In addition to these tips:

  • Ensure your child gets enough sleep. Well-rested bodies better withstand viruses.
  • Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, which can increase flu risk. Advocate for smoke-free environments.
  • Ensure your children drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and broths, to maintain hydration and support the immune system.
  • Encourage activities that reduce stress, such as reading, drawing, playing, or practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques tailored to children.
  • Travel safely if you must fly with children during flu season. Bring wipes, wash hands often, and try to avoid the sickest passengers.

Keep Your Child Flu-Free This Season

Keep your kids healthy this cold and flu season by following these tips. Teaching good hygiene habits and monitoring for symptoms can go a long way in preventing an illness that could keep your child out of school for over a week. 

As your Baylor Frisco pediatrician, I’m here to help. If your child develops concerning symptoms so we can provide the best care. With a bit of preparation and prevention, your kids can stay happy and healthy all winter long.

At Entirely Kids Pediatrics, our top priority is keeping kids healthy. Contact us at 469-425-3600 to schedule your child’s flu shot and help prevent the flu before it starts. We look forward to seeing your family!