March 28, 2024

October is Children’s Health Month

5 tips to keep children healthy this cold and flu season

Kids and germs seem to go together like milk and cookies. But, there are ways parents can keep germs from spreading and boost kids’ immune systems to help prevent illnesses this cold and flu season, a UIeCare health expert says.

“The gathering of children in schools and daycares is one of the main ways germs spread and get circulated through communities,” said Patrick D. Brophy, MD, MHCDS, professor of pediatrics at University of Iowa and medical director for UIeCare. “One of the best defenses against the spread of germs is for kids to wash their hands frequently at school and home.”

Since kids often touch their mouths and faces, parents should make sure their hands are washed with soap and water to remove germs before eating, after using the bathroom and when they come inside from playing. Hand sanitizer can be used for times it’s not possible to wash.

In conjunction with Children’s Health Month, Brophy offers the following five tips to help protect children from the inevitable germs lurking at school and home.

Get active – Kids should get regular, moderate exercise to boost their immune systems. In fact, studies have shown that being active can help reduce cold and flu episodes. Exercising outside can also give kids the health benefits of added Vitamin D from the sun.

Get plenty of sleep – Children need between nine and 14 hours of sleep a day depending on their age. Make sure kids go to bed at a reasonable hour and have a consistent bedtime routine. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of getting sick.

Eat a well-balanced diet – Provide meals with plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables to help boost children's immune systems. Look for foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin D and avoid those high in additives, preservatives and sugars.

Decrease stress – Going to school or daycare can be stressful for some children. Elevated stress hormones can lead to decreased immunity. Give children plenty of down time for rest and creative play to help lower their stress levels and keep them from getting sick.

Avoid sharing – Sharing is good for kids, but many commonly shared items can be breeding grounds for germs. Teach children never to share straws and cups, and send them to school with a personal set of supplies.

“If kids do get sick, it’s important for parents to keep them home and take steps to prevent germs from spreading to others,” Brophy said. “If a doctor’s visit is necessary, virtual care makes it easy to see a physician without an appointment from the comfort of home.”

UIeCare, one of Iowa’s first virtual care services, makes it possible for Iowans to see a UI Health Care-credentialed provider on a computer or smart phone from anywhere in Iowa at any time. The UIeCare service is for minor illnesses and injuries that are urgent but not an emergency, such as flu-like symptoms, rash, sore throat and vomiting.

A UIeCare visit costs $50. Patients do not need health insurance and can seek reimbursement from a health savings account or insurance plan. UIeCare visitors do not need to be a patient at the University of Iowa to use the service.

Iowans who are interested in learning more or would like to request online care can visit uiecare.com.