Kids of all ages just love sharing their germs with one another, and schools are notorious breeding grounds for all manner of nasties. This time of the year is particularly dangerous as the cold and flu are in full force. While it is impossible to protect your kid from every type of bug, there are things you can do to help prevent contact with germs.
It is a team effort to reduce the spread of germs at home and at school, and you should raise awareness with your kids as soon as you think they are ready. To get you started, these 5 tips of germ prevention will help keep your little ones safe during the winter.
Wash Hands
Washing your hands thoroughly can really help to reduce the spread of germs for all members of the family. From a young age, you should act as a role model to your kids and encourage them to wash their hands with you. As they get older, you can reward them for doing this action independently.
Most germs are spread by hand, so good habits can protect everyone that your little one comes into contact with. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands regularly so that you don’t pass on any germs to your little one, which is especially true if you are sick.
Sharing Is Not Caring
Kids love to share their toys, food, and utensils, which is great, but unfortunately their lack of personal hygiene awareness usually means that they unwittingly share their germs as well. Clean their toys and utensils after every use and make sure they are not sharing stuff if they have any sort of illness.
Make sure that you sanitize the home regularly, in particular, door handles, toys, and any other area where your kids spend a lot of time.
Develop Good Habits As Soon As Possible
It is never too early to help raise your child’s awareness of personal hygiene. Teach them how to use a tissue to blow their hands, not to pick their nose, and to wash their hands after toilet trips and if they cough or sneeze.
It is vital that you act as a positive role model by practicing what you preach; otherwise it will send confusing messages to your little one.
Stay at Home
If your kid is sick, then keep them at home until they feel better. Colds and flu can be quickly spread around the school population, and as your kid’s immune system will be working overtime, they will be at risk of getting sick from other germs.
When your kid has a fever, sore throat, cough, or diarrhea, they should be kept at home.
Keep Up-To-Date with Their Shots
Things like the flu can be kept at bay by keeping up-to-date with your flu shots. These shots really help your child’s immune system and are highly recommended if your little one has any lung issues such as asthma.
Speak with your pediatrician about what shots are recommended for your child.