While you know to remind your kids to wash their hands over and over again, there are a few other things you can do to try to fend off whatever bug is circulating. Follow these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the CDC, and the National Eczema Association to keep your family healthy:
BE AWARE THAT PNEUMONIA IS ON THE RISE
Bacterial infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae are surging, with the highest increase among kids ages 5 to 17—especially ages 2 to 4. Often called “walking pneumonia” because symptoms may be mild and don’t keep people in bed, the illness resembles a cold with a fever, headache, and a slowly worsening cough. Younger kids may have diarrhea or vomiting. If your kid is sick, wheezing or has difficulty breathing (or has underlying issues such as asthma), ask your pediatrician if your child should be tested for pneumonia.
KEEP EVERYONE UPDATED ON VACCINES
Flu shots are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, and it’s not too late to get one because flu season runs throughout the winter. Also, ask your pediatrician if your kid needs any other shots, such as a COVID booster or the vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which has made a comeback in recent years, too.
MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY
Sleep deprivation can impair our bodies’ abilities to fight off infections. So, get everyone to bed on time— including yourself! Most school-age kids need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Even teens need more sleep than you think, typically about 8 to 10 hours per night
PROTECT YOUR KID’S SKIN
Eczema and dry, itchy skin can flare up due to winter’s cold and dry indoor environments. Protect the skin by using moisturizers with ingredients such as ceramides to repair skin that’s lost its water content. Running a humidifier also can help.
MANAGE STRESS
Stress makes us less able to fight off infections, so learn to minimize the chaos by making Sundays a day to prep for the week ahead. That means going over everyone’s schedules so you know who’s got practice, doctor’s appointments, and other commitments. Also, prep lunches, set up breakfast dishes, pick out clothes and put backpacks by the front door the night before so there’s not a crazed rush in the morning on school days. Less stress benefits everyone in the house.
—Arricca Elin SanSone is a New York-based health and lifestyle writer.
