{"id":43239,"date":"2021-12-01T09:44:46","date_gmt":"2021-12-01T16:44:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=43239"},"modified":"2025-10-16T13:50:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T19:50:58","slug":"how-to-keep-kids-healthier-during-cold-flu-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/how-to-keep-kids-healthier-during-cold-flu-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping kids healthier during cold and flu season: tips from a doctor"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div><figure id=\"attachment_43273\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43273\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-43273 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01151449\/Getty-sad-kid-at-computer.webp\" alt=\"kid on a computer to go with the article about how to keep kids healthier during cold and flu season.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01151449\/Getty-sad-kid-at-computer.webp 800w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01151449\/Getty-sad-kid-at-computer-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01151449\/Getty-sad-kid-at-computer-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01151449\/Getty-sad-kid-at-computer-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01151449\/Getty-sad-kid-at-computer-200x133.webp 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-43273\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Focusing on what you can do to keep kids healthier during cold and flu season is paramount as it can be frustrating for children and working parents when a child is unable to attend childcare or school because of an illness. Source: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you have younger children, you may feel like the kids are constantly trading one illness for another this time of year. Now that fall is winding down, we\u2019ve begun to usher in \u201crespiratory season,\u201d with many viruses peaking in activity from December through May.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re definitely beginning to see more illnesses,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/provider\/chelsea-weiland-do\/\">Dr. Chelsea Weiland<\/a>, a family physician at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/locations\/uchealth-family-medicine-greeley\/\">UCHealth Family Medicine &#8211; Greeley<\/a>. \u201cIt can be frustrating and even exhausting for working parents when one or more child is sick at home, unable to attend childcare or school.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Focusing on what you can do to keep kids healthier during cold and flu season is paramount. The best illness, after all, is the one no one gets. That old adage about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure still rings true: \u201cRule number one is prevent, prevent, prevent,\u201d Weiland said.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Stay on top of routine vaccines<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>\u201cImmunizations protect your child against severe illnesses and reduce the risk of serious outcomes from life-threatening illnesses like influenza. If they do get sick, their symptoms are likely to be less severe and their recovery quicker,\u201d Weiland said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-callout-box col-xs-12 col-sm-6 right\" style=\"background-color:#dce4e7; color:#2e3b44;\">\n<p><strong>Influenza is here<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In November, UCHealth labs found 407 positive tests for influenza.<\/li>\n<li>Almost all of the positive flu tests were positive for Flu A.<\/li>\n<li>Six people have been hospitalized for flu in UCHealth hospitals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Anyone 6 months of age and older is eligible for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/services\/infectious-diseases\/seasonal-flu\/\">flu vaccine<\/a>. It\u2019s recommended to get your annual flu shot in the early fall if possible, but it\u2019s still worth getting if your household hasn\u2019t yet been vaccinated. \u201cBetter late than never,\u201d Weiland said.<\/p>\n<p>She continues to urge everyone who can be vaccinated against COVID-19, to do so, especially since infants and children are still getting sick with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/covid-19-and-kids-answering-the-most-important-questions\/\">coronavirus<\/a>. Now, anyone 5 years of age and older are eligible for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/services\/infectious-diseases\/coronavirus-covid-19\/covid-19-vaccine\/\">COVID-19 vaccine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tips to help make shots easier for children<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>If your little one is still breast or bottle feeding, it can provide the perfect distraction or comfort during the shot.<\/li>\n<li>Offer something to look forward to, perhaps a trip to get ice cream or to pick out a small toy after the shot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Check out more of the <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vaccines-children\/before-during-after-shots\/less-stress.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vaccines\/parents\/visit\/less-stressful.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CDC\u2019s recommendations<\/a> for making shots less stressful for your child and our article about how children and adults can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/how-children-and-adults-can-overcome-needle-phobia\/\">overcome a fear of needles<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Keep little hands clean<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Regular, thorough handwashing is the easiest and best way for you and your kids to prevent the spread of germs. It\u2019s a habit that can\u2019t start soon enough and should be done multiple times throughout the day \u2013 after using the toilet, before eating, after sneezing or coughing, after coming home from outside or a public place, before cooking or eating \u2013 you know the drill. Dr. Weiland said hand sanitizer is fine for those times when you can\u2019t use soap and water, but handwashing still reigns supreme.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tips to encourage good hand hygiene<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Soap empowerment \u2013 \u201cSpongeBob yellow\u201d may not match your d\u00e9cor but allowing kids to choose their hand soap could help keep little hands clean at home. The same goes for hand sanitizer when you\u2019re out and about. Let them pick a fun scent.<\/li>\n<li>Sing a tune for at least 20 seconds while you wash. Dr. Weiland suggests \u201cHappy Birthday,\u201d or get silly with <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=L89nN03pBzI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this version of &#8220;Baby Shark&#8221;<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>When illness strikes your kids: a survival guide for parents <\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>It\u2019s inevitable for kids to get sick from time to time, despite all your efforts to keep them healthy. Below, Dr. Weiland shares some helpful tips to keep them comfortable and encourage recovery \u2013 while maintaining your sanity.<\/p>\n<p>First things first, go easy on yourself. Regular routines and rules may take a temporary backseat while your kids are under the weather. Don\u2019t worry too much about screen time or that your children want to eat cereal for breakfast and lunch for a few days.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s ok to loosen up on some routines to make it easier to get through the days your kids are home,\u201d Weiland said. \u201cAs a positive reinforcement, let them watch their favorite movies or allow a special treat if they are well behaved when you need to get things done.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Get medical advice and care from your couch<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Wondering if your child needs to be seen by a doctor? In many cases, your child can be seen and treated by a UCHealth professional \u2013 often their own provider &#8212; from the comfort of home with <a id=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/services\/virtual-visit\/\">video visit<\/a>. Existing patients can log on to their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/services\/virtual-visit\/\">My Health Connection<\/a> account and select Video Visit or choose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/services\/virtual-urgent-care\/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_term=uchealth%20virtual%20urgent%20care&amp;matchtype=b&amp;utm_content=c&amp;utm_campaign=all&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAvriMBhAuEiwA8Cs5lZpZ61My4u5n7Ej4fzvuGtp_E5D39v_CrpnzBiB7hZj28owZhdD0cxoCrwYQAvD_BwE\">Virtual Urgent Care<\/a> to schedule an appointment with the first available expert. If you\u2019re new to UCHealth, set up an account <a href=\"https:\/\/mychart.uchealth.org\/MyChart\/Authentication\/Login?postloginurl=Billing%2fSummary\">here<\/a> to make an appointment. Of course, if your child seems seriously ill, don\u2019t wait, head to the nearest urgent care or emergency room.<\/p>\n<p><em>Not sure how to tell if it\u2019s a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/knowing-the-difference-between-flu-and-covid-19\/\">cold, the flu or COVID-19<\/a>? Call your family\u2019s pediatric provider with questions and guidance about testing.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_43250\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43250\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-43250 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01094630\/flu-scaled-e1638396760276.webp\" alt=\"It's that time of year when doctors begin to see more illnesses in kids. Focus on what you can do to prevent you kids from getting sick this cold and flu season. Photo: Getty Images.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01094630\/flu-scaled-e1638396760276.webp 800w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01094630\/flu-scaled-e1638396760276-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01094630\/flu-scaled-e1638396760276-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01094630\/flu-scaled-e1638396760276-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/01094630\/flu-scaled-e1638396760276-200x133.webp 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-43250\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It&#8217;s that time of year when doctors begin to see more illnesses in kids. Focus on what you can do to keep kids healthier this cold and flu season. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Be prepared with a sick kit <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Most mild illnesses can be treated at home. Akin to the \u201churricane kits\u201d that Weiland remembers every household having in Florida, where she grew up, she suggests families keep a \u201csick kit\u201d on hand. If everything stays together in a labeled container, you won\u2019t be fumbling for the necessities.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what to include:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Thermometer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cWatch for fevers that go above 104 degrees at any age or 100.4 in infants younger than 3 months old,\u201d Weiland said. \u201cThese are definitely reasons to contact your doctor as a high fever could be a sign of a more serious infection.\u201d<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Simple digital thermometer<\/li>\n<li>Backup batteries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Over the counter fever reducer\/pain relief<\/strong> <strong>medicine<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Use as needed to keep uncomfortable fevers and aches and pains under control, but first carefully read the labels to ensure the correct dosage and concentration for your child\u2019s age and weight.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Acetaminophen (Tylenol is a brand name)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-43345 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141233\/medicationchart.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"639\" height=\"494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141233\/medicationchart.webp 1200w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141233\/medicationchart-300x232.webp 300w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141233\/medicationchart-1024x791.webp 1024w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141233\/medicationchart-768x593.webp 768w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141233\/medicationchart-150x116.webp 150w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141233\/medicationchart-200x155.webp 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin are brand names) \u2013 never give to an infant under 6 months old<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-43346 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141331\/medcharteee.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141331\/medcharteee.webp 1200w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141331\/medcharteee-300x232.webp 300w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141331\/medcharteee-1024x791.webp 1024w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141331\/medcharteee-768x593.webp 768w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141331\/medcharteee-150x116.webp 150w, https:\/\/uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/12\/06141331\/medcharteee-200x155.webp 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>There aren\u2019t any cough or cold medicines on this list because they are not recommended for children under age 6 due to unproven effectiveness and potential side effects. Weiland offers some other options for helping cough and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/diseases-conditions\/common-cold\/\">cold symptoms<\/a> below.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Stuffy nose relievers<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cNasal saline sprays work wonders to help break up congestion,\u201d Weiland said.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nasal saline spray<\/li>\n<li>Suctioning devices (bulb suction or Nose Frieda)<\/li>\n<li>Facial tissues with aloe or unscented lotion for irritated noses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Breathing boosters<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t give young children cough syrup. Instead, try warm showers to help relax muscles and open up the little cells in the lungs,\u201d Weiland said. \u201cIf your kids have a productive cough, the steam can help loosen the gunk.\u201d<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bath crayons to entertain during warm shower sessions<\/li>\n<li>Bath toys that suction to the shower wall<\/li>\n<li>Humidifiers for your children\u2019s bedrooms<\/li>\n<li>Vapor rub to soothe their chests (can also apply to their feet)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Hydration helpers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>It\u2019s often difficult for parents to make sure their kids are getting enough fluids to stay hydrated while sick, especially if they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. \u201cTo combat dehydration, pediatric electrolytes can help,\u201d Weiland said.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pediatric electrolytes (available in bottles, powder packets or freezer pops and come in many flavors)<\/li>\n<li>Sugar-free flavored powder or drops to add to water<\/li>\n<li>Personalized cups with lids and straws to encourage drinking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Diaper rash remedy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cDiaper rash occurs more frequently when little ones are sick, especially if they experience diarrhea,\u201d Weiland said. \u201cYou can combine two parts protective barrier to one part liquid antacid for a fast-working mixture that can be applied during diaper changes and after bathing.\u201d<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A&amp;D ointment, Aquaphor or Vaseline<\/li>\n<li>Maalox or Mylanta<\/li>\n<li>Cotton swabs<\/li>\n<li>Small airtight container to keep the mixture in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Quiet toys to pass the time<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Set aside a few special toys, books, games or quiet activities that are only available to your kids when they\u2019re sick. Since these items aren\u2019t in regular rotation, your children may be able to stay entertained a bit longer.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Ways to help stop the spread <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As tempting as it may be to give your child some Tylenol and hope for the best, keep your kids home from school when they are sick and follow your school\u2019s guidelines for illness.<\/p>\n<p>While recovering at home, Weiland recommends trying to keep the sick members of the household together, separate from those who are well. Ideally, designate a separate sleeping\/ living area as well as bathroom for those who are ill. If you can\u2019t keep them separate, wearing a mask will help limit exposure to other members of the household.<\/p>\n<p>Wieland also recommends that parents regularly wipe down common areas or high-touch areas with antibacterial disinfectant. This includes surfaces, door handles and cabinet pulls, the refrigerator and microwave, toilet seats and bathroom faucets.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>This too shall pass<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While parents of infants should expect their baby to experience anywhere from eight to 12 infections their first year of life, Weiland says it won\u2019t always be that way.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe good news is, as children grow older, their immune systems become stronger, and in turn, they won\u2019t be sick as often,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd remember, don\u2019t hesitate to call your provider if you have any questions or concerns about your children. We\u2019re here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you have younger children, you may feel like the kids are constantly trading one illness for another this time of year. Now that fall is winding down, we\u2019ve begun to usher in \u201crespiratory season,\u201d with many viruses peaking in activity from December through May. \u201cWe\u2019re definitely beginning to see more illnesses,\u201d says Dr. Chelsea [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2297,"featured_media":86320,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[4860,9069,2684,162,9040,2600,9187,3981,4863],"class_list":["post-43239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","tag-covid-19","tag-covid-19-vaccine","tag-flu-season","tag-infectious-diseases","tag-influenza","tag-pediatic-care","tag-readysetco","tag-video-appointment","tag-virtual-urgent-care"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to keep kids healthier during cold and flu season - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How do you keep kids healthier this cold and flu season? 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