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Back-To-School Ent Tips: Keeping Kids Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
Late fall in Richmond brings cooler weather, and with it, an influx of germs, viruses, and bacteria that make their rounds just as kids are settling into the school routine. While children are busy reconnecting with friends, making new ones, and immersing themselves in their lessons, it’s important to remember that they’re also in close contact with germs.
Classrooms, filled with excited and energetic kids, become the perfect breeding ground for illness. This makes young students especially vulnerable to catching colds, the flu, or other contagious viruses—disrupting both their health and their learning.
As cold and flu season kicks in, it’s more important than ever to teach children effective ways to stay healthy during the school year. By instilling habits to prevent illness, like frequent handwashing and proper hygiene practices, we can help ensure they stay well throughout the season and continue thriving in the classroom.
How to Keep Kids Healthy in School During Cold and Flu Season
Boost Their Gut Health
A strong gut microbiome plays a crucial role in supporting your child’s immune system, especially during cold and flu season in Richmond. Encourage your child to eat probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or locally sourced fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi. These help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which is essential for fighting off infections. Don’t forget prebiotic foods like bananas, garlic, and oats, which nourish those good bacteria and strengthen their immune defenses.
Optimize Indoor Air Quality
As winter approaches in Richmond, homes are often sealed tight to keep out the cold, which can reduce air quality and let allergens and germs thrive. Consider using air purifiers in high-traffic areas like your child’s bedroom and living spaces to improve air circulation. These devices can help remove dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Also, make sure to change the filters in your HVAC system regularly and, when possible, open windows on mild days to let fresh air in. A balanced humidity level can also help reduce respiratory irritants that may trigger illness.
Ensure Proper Hydration
Hydration is key to helping your child stay healthy, especially during the colder months in Richmond. When it’s cold outside, people often forget to drink enough water, but staying hydrated supports their immune system and helps keep mucous membranes moist, which act as a barrier against viruses. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, and include hydrating foods like oranges, apples, or cucumbers in their diet. Be sure to limit sugary drinks like sodas, as they can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of dehydration.
Teach Good Respiratory Hygiene
Good respiratory hygiene is essential to keeping germs at bay, especially during flu season in Richmond. Teach your child to always cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and if they don’t have a tissue, they should use the inside of their elbow. Remind them to dispose of tissues immediately and wash their hands afterward to prevent the spread of germs. It’s also important to remind your child not to touch their face frequently, as germs can enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule
Sleep is vital for boosting your child’s immunity, especially during the cold and flu season in Richmond. A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off illnesses. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure your child gets enough sleep each night. School-age children typically need between 9 and 14 hours of sleep. Avoid screen time an hour before bed to help them wind down, and make sure their bedroom is conducive to sleep—cool, dark, and quiet. This will help them stay healthy and ready to take on the school day.
Keep Kids Healthy for School
Kids are not the only group flocking to school – so are germs, viruses, and bacteria that can compromise your child’s health. Kids in optimal health have more opportunities to meet new people and learn new things. With your child at school, it is imperative to take extra steps to keep them healthy, even through the inevitable cold and flu season.
Get in touch with Richmond Breathe Free for more information on how to keep your child healthy. Schedule an appointment with one of our esteemed experts today!