The other day, Myra wrote about flu shots and a colleague was talking earlier in the week about how his children were all starting to come down with their “holiday” illnesses. It all reminded me that while this IS the festive, hectic holiday season–it can also be the time of year that kids are most likely to get sick!
I don’t know if it is the cold weather, being cooped up inside where germs can spread more easily, all those treats and white sugar, or the fact that kids can get worn out and their immunes systems exhausted–but I do remember when my kids were younger, December was THE month for illnesses. My kids still tend to get pretty run-down and a big chunk of winter break is spent just resting up and recuperating. A couple days ago, while I was riding a city bus–it was a virtual sick ward–with all the coughing, sneezing, hacking, and nose-blowing. I couldn’t help thinking that it is no wonder we all get sick in December–more people out and about , crowded up together and sneezing on each other!
I wish I had some secrets for how to keep children well over Christmas and the holidays–the usual things do help: plenty of rest, eating well, washing hands as often as possible, not getting chilled and run down. But I also think it helps for kids to get out and about and play outside (or for older kids–walk, ride bikes, etc.) even when it is cold and wintry. I believe that fresh air and movement can help keep the immune system strong and less likely to succumb to the holiday sicks.
Years ago, I also started the hot tea in the evenings while we watch our movies or TV–Again, I don’t know if it helps or not but having hot tea with lemon and honey, or hot apple cider has become a family tradition during December and January and I like to think it helps ward off some of the seasonal sicknesses. Still, I don’t know a parent who doesn’t complain that this is definitely the time of year when kids are most likely to get sick–just in time for the holidays, travel, and visiting!
Also: Flu Shots for Toddlers