A Pediatrician’s Guide To Keeping Kids Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

As temperatures drop, colds, influenza and other seasonal illnesses become a growing concern for families. According to Autumn Dye, DO, assistant professor and pediatrician at the Lancaster Avenue PCOM Healthcare Center, the best way to protect children begins with practicing healthy habits.

Autumn Dye, DO

“One of the first things to teach school-age children is the importance of washing their hands,” she said. “This means using soap and water and washing for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove germs.”

Another important step is ensuring children receive recommended vaccinations, including the influenza vaccine and the Respiratory Syncytial Vaccine (RSV).

Dr. Dye also recommends teaching children proper cough etiquette such as coughing into their elbow instead of their hand to avoid spreading germs to everything they touch.

“A balanced diet can also support children's overall health during cold and flu season,” said Dye.

Foods rich in vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D are good choices, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, spinach, broccoli and bell peppers, can help children get important nutrients that strengthen their immune system.

Along with a balanced diet, getting enough sleep is also essential. “Kids of all ages should be prioritizing eight to ten hours of sleep per night to help support their immune systems,” she said.

Even with healthy habits, children can still get sick. When that happens, keep them home from school to avoid exposing others and encourage them to drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Solutions such as Pedialyte can help replenish fluids and electrolytes.

If your child remains sick and needs medication, be sure to read the label carefully so that you are giving the correct dose because too little may not provide the intended effect. Dye goes on to say you can call your pediatrician if you are unsure and they can recommend the appropriate dosage based on your child's weight.

You should also be contacting your pediatrician if your child has a fever of 100.4 or greater, Do not alternate Motrin and Tylenol unless your child's health provider recommends it.

Before your child returns to school, Dye urges parents to consult their pediatricians about how long their children should be fever-free and what other signs indicate they are ready. Keeping children home until they feel well enough to participate in class gives them time to recover and helps reduce the spread of illness to classmates and teachers.

Help your child prepare for cold and flu season. To schedule a flu shot or an appointment with a health care provider, contact one of PCOM's Healthcare Centers.