The Medical Minute: 10 health tips for parents during cold and flu season

As the cold season approaches, staying healthy becomes even more important. Dr. Benjamin FogelMedical Director Penn State Health PediatricsHere are some simple steps you can take to protect your family during cold and flu season, especially when illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are common.

1. get vaccinated

• influenza vaccination: People over 6 months of age should receive the influenza vaccine every year. It's the best way to reduce your family's risk of getting the flu.
• COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection): Make sure you and your child stay up-to-date on the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines, including getting the latest boosters for the 2024-25 season.
• Protection from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): RSV vaccination is recommended for pregnant women, infants under 8 months of age, and all adults over 75 years of age.

2. wash hands frequently

• Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water, at least for a period of time 20 seconds (length of “Happy Birthday” song) before eating, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

3. cover coughs and sneezes

• Encourage your child to: cough or sneeze into a tissue It's not the hand, it's the elbow. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands afterwards.

4. avoid touching your face

• The virus spreads when children touch their faces, especially their faces. eyes, nose, mouth. Be careful not to touch your face to reduce the chance of infection.

5. keep surfaces clean

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, tablets, phones, and toys. Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, making it easier for bacteria to spread.

6. practice healthy habits

• eat well: To keep your child's immune system strong, make sure to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• stay active: Even when it's cold outside, regular exercise can help improve your overall health. Here are some fun indoor activities to get your kids moving.
  • Screen-free options: Play hide and seek, create an obstacle course with pillows, or dance to music. Jump rope, indoor hopscotch, and yoga are also great options for kids.
  • with screen: Use video-based workouts and dance games that get kids energized and moving, such as Just Dance and fitness videos for kids on YouTube. Apps like GoNoodle provide short and fun exercise breaks.
• sleep: Make sure your child gets the appropriate amount of sleep for their age (9 to 12 hours for most school-age children).

7. stay home when sick

• Send your children home from school or daycare if they show signs of illness, such as a fever, cough, or runny nose. This will help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

8. ventilate indoor space

• When you are indoors, open the window Or use an air purifier to improve air circulation. Fresh air helps dilute germs that spread in crowded spaces.

9. Know when to see a doctor

• If your child has difficulty breathing or has a high fever, or if symptoms do not improve after a few days, contact your pediatrician. Watch for signs of dehydration in your baby, such as dry mouth and fewer wet diapers.

10. Get the latest information

• Please check the latest local health information and follow public health guidelines regarding wearing masks, gathering indoors, and testing. Each season may have different recommendations based on the type of virus circulating.

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