Pediatrician Offers 5 Strategies to Minimize Winter Illnesses in Children
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Protecting your children from the seasonal surge in viruses requires consistent hygiene practices and knowing when to seek rest, according to a leading pediatrician.
As fall arrives, classrooms and daycare centers inevitably become breeding grounds for common colds and other viral infections. While some exposure is beneficial for building a child’s immune system, a pediatrician at Lev Pediatric Care emphasizes that proactive steps can significantly reduce the frequency of illness.
The Cycle of Winter Viruses
The increased spread of viruses during colder months is largely due to behavioral factors. “Young children are still developing essential hygiene habits,” one expert explained, “and viruses thrive when individuals share close spaces, toys, and food.” However, understanding this pattern allows parents and caregivers to implement preventative measures.
5 Practical Steps to Stay Healthy
Here are five evidence-based strategies to help keep your children healthy this winter:
1. Master the Art of Handwashing: Proper handwashing remains one of the most effective defenses against infection. Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – roughly the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Remind them to wash before meals, after using the restroom, and following a cough or sneeze. When soap and water aren’t accessible, utilize a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
2. Practice “Cough and Sneeze Etiquette”: Teach children to direct coughs and sneezes into their elbow rather than their hands. This simple adjustment dramatically reduces the spread of germs. Ensure tissues are readily available and emphasize the importance of immediate disposal after use.
3. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces: Viruses can persist on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, toys, tablets, and light switches for hours. Daily cleaning of these areas, particularly in households with multiple children, can interrupt the chain of infection.
4. Know When to Keep Your Child Home: Deciding when to keep a child home from school or daycare can be challenging, but certain symptoms warrant caution. A temperature exceeding 100.4°F, vomiting, diarrhea, or significant fatigue are clear indicators that a child needs rest and should not attend activities. Allowing a day or two for recovery can prevent widespread illness within the classroom and family.
5. Lead by Example: Children learn by observing the behavior of adults. Modeling good hygiene practices – consistent handwashing, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and prioritizing rest when feeling unwell – reinforces these habits and encourages children to follow suit.
“Germs are an unavoidable part of childhood,” the pediatrician stated, “but consistent, small habits can significantly reduce sick days and promote peace of mind for families.”
About Lev Pediatric Care
Dr. Shari Hirsch, MD, specializes in infant feeding, offering comprehensive support for newborns, including lactation guidance and frenotomy (tongue-tie release). She also provides emotional wellness care, with guidance and medication management for attention, mood, and anxiety.
Lev Pediatric Care is conveniently located at Evergreen Uptown Mall in Pomona, operating Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:45 pm, and Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Same-day appointments are available by calling 845-579-5700. The practice also offers complimentary car service for patients traveling to and from appointments.
