Preparing your child for cold and flu season

As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, it’s a reminder that cold and flu season is upon us. Keeping your children healthy during this time is a top priority. Here are some tips to help you navigate the season.

Get the flu vaccine

• Each year, flu places a large burden on the health and well-being of children and their families. Annual flu vaccination offers the best protection against flu and its potentially serious complications in children.
• It’s important with rare exception to vaccinate everyone 6 months and older against flu each year to help protect those most at risk.

Practice good hygiene

• Teach your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of the elbow.

Stay hydrated

• Encourage your child to drink adequate fluids, especially water, to help stay hydrated.
• Being well hydrated can help improves mood, memory, and attention in children.

Maintain a healthy diet

• Ensure your child eats a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Eating well provides multiple nutrients that support optimal immune function. Kids and toddlers, like adults, need certain nutrients and vitamins to help boost their immune systems to aid in protecting against the germs they’ll face, either in the classroom or at home.

Get enough sleep

• Sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise, improving your brain performance, mood, and health.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule for your child.

Keep surfaces clean

• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, and toys to help reduce the spread of germs.

Avoid close contact

• Teach your child to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If your child is sick, keep them home from school or daycare to help prevent the spread of illness.

Stay warm

• Dress your child in layers to protect them from the cold weather.
• Ensure they wear hats, gloves, and scarves when outdoors.

Monitor symptoms

• Keep an eye out for symptoms of the flu, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
• If your child exhibits these symptoms, contact your pediatrician for advice.

Stay informed

Stay updated on the latest health advisories and recommendations from your health care provider.

By following these tips, you can help protect your child from colds and the flu this season.
Make an appointment with your Optum provider or swift and skilled care, whenever you need it.

Sources:
CDC, Flu and Children, Parents Help Children Fight Flu, 9/5/24.
Healthychildren.org, Choose Water for Healthy Hydration, updated 7/26/24.
CDC, Health Habits: Enhancing Immunity, 12/19/23.
National Institutes of Health, Good Sleep for Good Health: Get the Rest You Need, April 2021.