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| Keeping your kids healthy this 'flu season |
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As the mercury drops and days get shorter, it also means that flu season is just around the corner. And though there is no way of completely avoiding the coughs and colds that inundate child care services throughout the winter, there are plenty of things that parents can do to minimise the impact.
Load up with vitamins
Aim for two serves of fruits and five serves of veggies every day, in particular opting for those high in immune-boosting Vitamin C, such as mandarin segments, halved kiwi fruit, carrot, celery and capsicum. Vitamin C can increase the body's production of infection-fighting white blood cells. As well, go for flu-fighting antioxidants found in carrots, tomatoes and red capsicum. Soups are a great way to sneak lots of veggies and extras into a child's diet that they might not normally eat, such as garlic and ginger. Try not to overcook veggies as it reduces the vitamin C levels. Also aim to include plenty of Vitamin D-rich foods, such as oily fish, dairy, eggs, and yoghurt, which includes probiotics.
Drink plenty of water
Though the days are colder, our bodies still need plenty of fluids to function properly so it's important to make sure children are still drinking plenty of water throughout the winter months. Carry a water bottle with you, always offer water with snacks and meals. If a child is refusing water, try adding slices of fruit - such as strawberry or lemon – to give it variety and flavour.
Maintain regular sleep times
The body's immune system doesn't work well when sleep deprived, so stick to a regular bedtime, for both you and your children. Most school-aged children need at least 10-11 hours each night; babies and toddlers need 11-14 hours every day.
Teach frequent hand washing
Regular hand washing is the simplest and most effective way to keep germs at bay. Teach your child to always wash hands with soap and warm water every time they go to the bathroom, before snacks and mealtimes, and when they come home from school or from playing outside. Lead by example, always washing hands yourself too. There's no need for antibacterial soap, any soap and water will remove germs. Learn the hand-washing routine in your child care service and use it at home to promote consistency and good habits.
Teach your child not to touch eyes or nose
Even with regular hand washing, the human hand is covered with thousands of germs. Touching noses and eyes is directly transferring germs into the bloodstream, so teach your child to not touch eyes or rub nose, or use a tissue to do so instead.
Teach sneeze etiquette
Teach your child to use tissues or to sneeze into their elbows to prevent the spread of germs when they sneeze. Make sure tissues go into the bin afterwards, not back into the pocket!
Check the centre's sickness policy
All child care services will have a policy on keeping sick children away from healthy ones. This usually includes requiring a child with a fever, flu, vomiting, diarrhoea, or rash to stay away for 24 hours after symptoms subside. But check with your own centre to see what their specific policy might be. If you have concerns that there seems to continually be sick children in your classroom, chat to your childcare provider.
If your child does become sick
The average preschool child has at least 6 colds a year, so it often feels like they haven't recovered from the last one before they catch the next. They will get fewer as they grow older and their immunity strengthens.
In most cases, treating the symptoms and giving the child time to recover is all a cold needs. However, you should take your child to see a doctor if you see any of the following symptoms:
- Complains of painful headache
- Has difficulty breathing
- Won't drink fluids
- Vomits frequently
- Is pale and lethargic
- Has a high fever that doesn't reduce with paracetamol.
- Hasn't shown any sign of improvement after 48 hours.
Occasionally a cold can lead to complications such as an ear infection, croup, or a chest infection. Always seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
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