Preventing Kids from Getting Sick During Winter Holidays

healthy kids in knit hats

When you think about winter months, images of Christmas trees, warm jackets, hot chocolate, and holiday movies likely come to mind. But how to how to prevent kids from getting sick during winter holidays may also be a concern. This time of year tends to include lots of sneezing, coughing, and high temperatures as getting sick is more common this time of the year. Kids getting sick during the holidays can add a layer of stress to what may already be a stressful period for you. This is especially true in 2021, as communities continue to contend with new variants of the COVID-19 virus.

Experts say that you may be more likely to get sick during the winter months because that’s when respiratory infections transfer more readily. This is because cooler temperatures result in people spending more time in enclosed places and humidity can cause viruses to remain in the air for longer.

Having said that, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your kids during this high-risk period. Below are a few tips on how you can go about it.

Here are a few tips to protect your kids’ health during winter months

Be More Cautious

As stated above, respiratory infections and germs are more likely to stay in the air longer during winter months. To reduce the chances of your kids getting sick, try being more cautious by improving sanitation. Get your kids to maintain good hygiene during this period and try to do the same too. A secret to good hygiene is to get them to wash their hands before and after meals, after using the toilet, and after going out.

If your kids have allergies, you should also be more cautious. This is especially important as during the holidays, kids may receive several gifts and eat various types of food. Make family members and friends your kids may visit aware of their allergies. For instance, if your child is allergic to certain fabrics, make sure they get the memo so they make a note when buying baby clothes for your little one. Similarly, if you have an infant they want to buy toys for, you could advise they stick to ones that are safe for teething infants.

Pay Attention to Symptoms

At times, if you’re able to pick up on sickness early, you can start treating it before it gets worse. Pay attention to any symptoms that could indicate your child is about to get sick. For example, if they’re sneezing more often than usual or begin having a runny nose, give them more liquids than usual to make sure they’re hydrated. If they’re experiencing other symptoms like shorter attention spans, teeth grinding or challenges with their eyesight, that could be symptomatic of a more long-term issue, so seek help.

Some serious symptoms to look out for that could be a cause for concern are fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. In the event that your child is experiencing any of these, call your healthcare professional. They might suggest you get a COVID-19 test for your child. Be prepared to quarantine in the event that it is positive.

Be Aware of Outbreaks

Depending on media coverage in your location, you can receive information about outbreaks happening nearby, especially in regard to the recent COVID-19 and measles outbreaks in the U.S. Check your local news to see whether any viruses are impacting your community. Depending on the age of your child, they may not yet be old enough to receive vaccines like the measles vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine. In these instances, take the necessary precautions and limit the contact unvaccinated people have with your child. For an added layer of protection, get your kids vaccinated as soon as they are old enough to keep them from contracting an avoidable disease. Also, be sure they’re up-to-date with their booster shots for continued immunity. As the holidays near, it’s important to check in with family and friends who may be visiting to make sure they are vaccinated as well.

Strengthen Your Immune System

Watching what your kids eat can prove to be an effective way of keeping sickness away, because eating the right foods can strengthen their immune system so they’re able to fight any sicknesses that come their way.

To boost their immune system, avoid foods with excess additives, preservatives, and sugars. Clinical trials have proven that such foods can suppress immunity. Instead, focus on giving them vegetables, eggs, whole fruits, meats and anything else nutritious. To lead by example, make sure you’re also eating these foods or healthy options.

Another necessity for a strong and resilient immune system is sleep. However, the excitement of the holidays, as well as the many outings, can leave your kids overstimulated and lacking adequate rest. To build their immune system, ensure they’re getting enough sleep. Note that children are said to need between 10-14 hours of sleep daily, depending on how old they are. Vitamin D is important too.

The winter holidays are something families look forward to every year. However, along with all of the festivities that take place, there’s also a risk of falling ill. By taking the suggestions above on board, your little one’s health is more likely to stay in good shape during the winter months.


Sam Bowman writes about families, wellness, and how the two merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.

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