How to Prevent Children from Cold or Winter Problems?

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.

Prevent Children from These Winter Problems

Let us look at a few winter problems that children are susceptible to and how to prevent them from the same.

• Flu and Sore Throat: Flu or influenza affects a number of individuals during winters which are caused by a virus that is contagious. The most common flu symptoms are cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue which makes a child feel miserable
• Asthma: Dry air and cold winds with a sudden change in weather can trigger asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath in young ones. Read More: Must-know Facts of Asthma Care in Children
• Dry skin and dandruff: Dry skin can irritate causing itchiness, cracks and rough skin. As humidity levels in air are less, it causes dandruff which can also lead to bacterial infections
• Bronchiolitis: Bronchiolitis/RSV is an infection of the respiratory tract leading to respiratory disorders
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection which is caused by the bacteria, fungi or virus in lungs which can cause inflammation of air sacs leading to difficulties in breathing. Read More: 8 Ways to Protect Baby From Pneumonia
• Croup: This is a respiratory infection that leads to swelling in trachea and larynx in children which make it tough for them to breathe

How Can Prevent Child From Cold During Winters?

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 Layers: Ensure 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 Hazards: Scarves and hood strings can strangle children at times and hence you must be careful with them
• Avoiding Outdoor Activities: Tell 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 Sunscreen: Children 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-bleeds: If 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. Check Nose Bleeding (Epistaxis) Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 
• Remain Hydrated: In 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
• Hygiene: Encourage 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 Signs: If 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