Kids are constantly exposed to germs in schools, playgrounds, and childcare facilities. Their immature immune systems are fighting off and succumbing to colds and viruses all the time.
Winter is an especially difficult time for getting sick. Kids are indoors more and near friends and classmates. It does not take much for one sick kid to infect a group.
The Paseo Club is a social club for kids, adults, and seniors. We offer several services for youth, including Kids Club childcare.
In this article, we spoke with Kids Club Director Bridgette Barajas and got her advice on how to keep your child healthy during the cold season. You will also learn why kids get sick more than adults, how to avoid exposure, and how to minimize passing an illness to others.
Why do kids get sick more than adults?
Many young children, especially infants, are still developing their immune systems. They haven’t been exposed to as many bacteria and viruses as adults. They do not have the same immunity, making them more susceptible to illness.
Kids are also still developing hygiene habits like learning to sneeze into their elbows, washing their hands regularly, and staying away from touching or mouthing (if they are infants or toddlers) items loaded with bacteria.
What 7 steps keep kids healthy during the cold and flu season?
1. Limit exposure to high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, faucets, and light switches.
2. Clean common areas with soap and water regularly. You can use a diluted bleach solution to clean when someone in your home is ill.
3. Avoid contact with those who are currently, or have been recently, ill, especially with a fever or stomach flu.
4. Avoid sharing your child’s personal items (sippy cups, water bottles, and toys) with other children outside your household.
5. Feed your child healthy foods with vitamins that will boost their immune system, including healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and minimal sweets and processed foods.
6. Dress according to the weather! Bundle up with extra layers to go outdoors.
7. Practicing good hygiene with kids with frequent hand washing and ensuring they sneeze and cough into their elbow or a tissue.
How can caregivers minimize exposure and avoid passing colds and viruses to others?
Although it can be a huge inconvenience on multiple fronts, if your child is under the weather, they must stay home. Otherwise, your child’s teachers, classmates, and friends may become ill. Interacting with your community only worsens the cold outbreak for the entire season.
Staying home not only limits your exposure to others and prevents passing illness, but it also allows your child to rest and recover from their cold or virus! Do your best to aside time to care for your child, helping them get plenty of sleep and healthy drinks and meals.
What is the Kids Club health policy?
The Kids Club staff tries to keep everyone healthy and safe. That is why we have a policy for all parents to follow.
- For both your child's comfort and the health of all who are at Kids Club, keep your child home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Fever within the previous 24 hours
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea within the previous 24 hours
- Any symptoms of childhood diseases such as scarlet fever, measles, mumps, chicken pox, whooping cough, or hand foot and mouth disease
- Runny nose with colored discharge
- Sore throat
- Any unexplained rash
- Any skin infection
- Pink eye or other eye infections
- Head lice (child must be free of all nits)
If your child has allergies that result in a continuously runny nose, please bring in a note from the doctor. The same is true of any condition which may appear infectious/contagious but is not.
Supporting your child’s health during the cold season
Toddlers and preschool-age children get 8-12 colds per year (up to once a month!), and school-aged children get 5-6 colds. Luckily, teens and adults tend to only get 2-3 illnesses annually.
You missing work and your child missing school or daycare is tough on your schedule and often your finances, too. But your child must rest and recover at home before they visit any group environment. This commitment helps your child and the kids and staff at school, extracurriculars, and daycare.
Remember these simple steps to help your child recover when they are ill.
- They should rest a lot.
- They do not need to eat as much as usual, but if they are hungry, feed them healthy meals and snacks such as soup, roasted veggies, and juice popsicles.
- They need to stay hydrated — especially if they have a fever or a stomach bug. Avoid soda and sugary drinks. Instead, provide tea, water, natural electrolyte beverages, coconut water, broth, and popsicles.
- While a little screen time is ok, have your child listen to audiobooks, read, draw, or play board or card games.
- Getting sick often is normal — even for kids with the most robust immune systems. Caring for your sick child can be a tough (and often thankless) job every parent experiences. Luckily, as your child ages, they will get sick less and become more self-sufficient.
The Paseo Club is a private club in the Santa Clarita Valley that offers fitness, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and social activities for families and individuals. Kids can attend Kids Club childcare, junior tennis, Kids Fitness class, or one of our swimming programs. Camp is a great option during summer and winter break.
The Paseo Club is your home away from home. Come to fitness class or play a game on the courts. Stay a while to swim, visit, and relax. The cafe and clubhouse offer great meal, snack, and drink options, and several social events are happening every month.
Join the Paseo Club today and start your best life!
