The pandemic has made us all more aware of the importance of hand-washing and staying safe from exposure to illness. However, cold and flu season is still a concern for many families. Here are some precautions you can take to lower the odds of your child getting a cold or the flu this season.

• Help your child wash their hands before and after every meal, after using the toilet, and after playing outside. Ensure they’re also wearing a mask and sanitizing their hands when necessary, such as while running errands with you, or on the playground.
• Sanitize high-touch surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
• Teach your child to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow instead of their hands.
• Ensure your child doesn’t share things with other children that come into contact with mouths or faces, such as cups, straws, or scarves.
• Monitor your child for signs of cold and flu, and encourage them to be honest with you about how they’re feeling.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the yearly flu vaccine, which protects against viruses that research suggests will be common that year.
• Strengthen your child’s immunity with healthy foods and plenty of sleep.
• Exercise helps boost the immune system as well, so encourage your child to stay active and play outdoors as often as possible.

When should your child see the doctor about a cold or flu? Nemours KidsHealth recommends taking your child to their doctor if they:

• seem to be getting worse
• have trouble breathing
• have a high fever
• have a bad headache
• have a sore throat
• seem confused
• have severe belly pain
• have pain or pressure in the chest
• have trouble staying awake
• look bluish in the lips or face