Keeping Your Kids Healthy This Cold & Flu Season

As we enter the 2024 cold and flu season, protecting your kids from seasonal illnesses is a top priority. At Lakeshore Primary Care Associates, we understand the importance of keeping your family healthy through proactive steps. With locations in Hamburg and Depew, NY, our family practice is here to offer tips on minimizing the risk of cold and flu for your children and family.

1. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations

One of the best defenses against flu is getting the annual flu shot, recommended for everyone six months and older. The flu vaccine helps reduce the severity of symptoms and prevents complications if your child does contract the flu. Staying current with COVID-19 vaccinations is also important, as respiratory viruses can spread quickly in schools and other group settings. Schedule an appointment with a general physician at Lakeshore Primary Care Associates to get your family vaccinated.

2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Handwashing is a simple but effective way to prevent the spread of germs. Teach your kids to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing, or touching surfaces in public places. Carrying hand sanitizer can also be helpful for situations where washing isn’t possible.

3. Encourage Healthy Sleep Habits

Adequate sleep is essential for a strong immune system. School-aged children need 9-11 hours of sleep per night, while teens should aim for 8-10 hours. Establish a bedtime routine to help your children get consistent, quality sleep, which supports their bodies’ natural ability to fight off illness.

4. Keep a Nutritious Diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps keep the immune system functioning well. Foods high in vitamins C and D, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and fortified dairy, can give an added boost. Consider adding yogurt or other probiotic-rich foods, as these can support gut health, which plays a role in immunity.

5. Teach Respiratory Hygiene

Teach your kids to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. This “cough etiquette” helps limit the spread of airborne germs, protecting others in the household and community. Remind them not to touch their face, as this can transfer germs from their hands to their eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Keep Your Home Clean

Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and electronic devices to reduce germs in your home. Make disinfecting wipes accessible to family members for easy daily cleaning.

7. Know When to Keep Kids Home

If your child is showing symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, keep them home from school to prevent spreading illness to others. Rest and hydration are essential for recovery, and reducing exposure helps keep the rest of the family and community healthy.

Schedule Your Family’s Appointment at Lakeshore Primary Care Associates

Taking proactive steps now can make a big difference in keeping your kids healthy this cold and flu season. Lakeshore Primary Care Associates in Hamburg and Depew, NY, is here to support your family’s health with up-to-date guidance and preventive care. Call our Hamburg office at (716) 646-1084 or our Depew office at (716) 683-4196 to schedule an appointment with a general physician and give your family the best defense against seasonal illness.