Kids Always Sick? How to Protect Against Winter Bugs
As parents, it's common to feel like your child is always sick, especially during the daycare years. With the winter bugs suddenly hitting, illnesses like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and other bugs seem to spread super quickly among young children. While it can be stressful and exhausting, there are some simple ways to reduce the frequency and severity of these illnesses by supporting your child's immune system. Here are some evidence-based tips to keep your little ones healthier this season:
1. Hand Washing and cleaning surfaces
One of the most common ways children catch bugs is through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their faces. Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after blowing noses or using the bathroom. Parents should also wash their hands frequently and clean commonly touched surfaces regularly.
2. keeping sick people away!
Keeping your child away from other sick people is key to stopping them also getting sick. Most respiratory bugs are highly contagious in the first 2-4 days of symptoms, and gastro bugs can spread as long as they have diarrhea. Making sure you’re children stay away from other sick people during these periods can significantly reduce of them getting sick from them.
3. Optimising Nutrition
A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is key to keeping their immune system ready to step up and fight. Make sure your child gets plenty of vitamins A and C, zinc, and selenium. While supplements are not always necessary, a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help make sure they have all the nutrients they need.
4. Staying Hydrated
Hydration plays a key role in keeping the nose and its defenses (yes we mean snot!) primed for defending against viruses. This snot is actually one of our first line of defenses against respiratory bugs. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to keep these membranes moist and functional.
5. Outdoor Play
Spending time outdoors can reduce stress levels and help maintain adequate vitamin D levels, both of which are important for a healthy immune system. Fresh air and physical activity also contribute to overall well-being.
6. Maintaining a Warm and Dry Home
Cold and damp environments are breeding grounds for germs, which thrive and spread more easily in such conditions. Ensure your home is warm and dry to help your child stay healthy. Additionally, keeping your child warm allows their body to focus energy on fighting infections rather than staying warm.
7. GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP
Getting a good amount of sleep is essential for a strong immune system. Our little ones need plenty of rest to repair and build their body's defences. If your child is a poor sleeper and getting sick all the time, this might be a sign they need some extra sleep support. Quality sleep helps the body fight off infections more effectively and recover faster if they do get sick.
8. Keeping Up with Immunizations
Immunisations are a crucial part of preventing serious illnesses such as whooping cough, meningococcal and measles. Make sure your child is up-to-date with their immunizations to protect against diseases that can have severe consequences. Many vaccine-preventable illnesses can lead to hospitalisation or even death, so timely vaccinations are vital.
When Should You Keep Kids Home From Daycare?
Keeping kids home when they are unwell can help slow the spread of bugs within the community. As a parent myself I know it can be really hard, especially when they are often sick. Here is a quick guide on times they definitely need to stay home. Also check with your centre’s guidelines.
Fever
A fever is a clear sign that your child should stay home. It’s a sign clear your child’s immune system is working hard to fight an infection.
Diarrhea and Vomiting
Children with diarrhea or vomiting should not attend daycare. These symptoms can indicate a gastrointestinal infection that is VERY contagious. Keep your child home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours (some centres may have different policies, so pake sure you check).
Green Snot
Thick, green snot can be a sign your little ones nose has a heap of white cells in their airway. White cells are the bodies best defence against viruses and bacteria - so green snot means they have a whole bunch of bugs up there!
Unwell with a New Rash
A new rash, especially along side a fever or other symptoms, is usually a sign they are sick and likely contagious, such as hand foot and mouth or a virus illness. If your child is sick with a new rash always take them to the doctor.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. The main signs are red, itchy eyes with discharge. Children with pink eye should stay home. Head to the pharmacy (kids over 2) or the doctor for an assessment and some medicated eye drops.
some more useful information for surviving the winter
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