Winters bring along chilly days and nights, foggy mornings and a number of health problems. Your child is more likely to catch up viruses in winters as his/her immune system is still at a developing stage. Being more susceptible to cold and flu, you must take extra care of your little one during these chilly days.
These infections are common along with a runny nose and coughing but things can get worse if they aren’t treated on time. Here are a few ways in which you can prevent your child from catching a cold and flu during winters.
Winters being dull and gloomy attract a number of health problems which you must be aware of and also ensure to seek medical intervention if needed. By maintaining personal hygiene most of the viruses can be kept at bay which is why you should teach your child how to maintain basic hygiene during the winters.
Healthy eating and drinking habits can be maintained in order to keep oneself free from common cold and flu. Read winter problem safety tips here.
# Thick LayersEnsure your child wears thick layers of clothing before he/she steps out of the house. The open parts such as head, neck, hands and feet must be covered, including the ears with a scarf, muffler or even a hooded jacket
# Beware of Clothing HazardsScarves and hood strings can strangle children at times and hence you must be careful with them
# Avoiding Outdoor ActivitiesTell your children to play indoors, thus, giving them less exposure to the outdoor cold winds. If your child is playing outside and gets cold or wet, immediately bring him/her indoors to stay warm
# Use SunscreenChildren can get a sunburn even in winters even though the sun isn’t shining brightly. Hence, make use of sunscreen to protect your child’s sensitive skin
# Prevent Nose-bleedsIf your child is prone to nosebleeds in winters, prevent the same by using an air humidifier in the house. Saline nose drops can also keep the nose moist.
# Remain HydratedIn winters, children lose more water through their breath and hence it is essential to keep them hydrated all the time by encouraging them to drink more water and other healthy fluids
# HygieneEncourage your child to wash his/her hands often before eating a meal or after coming back from school or play. Winters cause more germs to get caught up in hands which must be washed off before eating or drinking anything to avoid passing of the viruses in the mouth
# Watch for Danger SignsIf you think that your child has frostbite, the signs of which are pale, grey or blistered skin on the fingers, ears, nose, and toes, immediately bring him/her to medical attention. You can immerse the affected area in warm water for a couple of minutes.