{"id":30958,"date":"2023-11-23T11:55:26","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T16:55:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=30958"},"modified":"2025-02-04T11:25:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T16:25:36","slug":"how-to-keep-your-kids-healthy-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-kids-healthy-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to keep your kids healthy this winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kids never seem to get sick when it\u2019s convenient. It always seems to hit in the middle of the night or the morning of a big test, and it\u2019s not always obvious if they need to see a doctor or not. If your little one\u2019s sick, your teen needs a doctor\u2019s note<\/a> for school, or you have health questions, Maple has you covered.<\/p>\n

Maple<\/a> is a virtual care provider that connects you with Canadian-licensed doctors<\/a> and specialists, 24\/7.<\/p>\n

Even if your child isn\u2019t currently sick, getting virus after virus may feel unavoidable. However, there are ways you can help to protect your kids from the worst of cold and flu season. Here\u2019s how to keep your kids healthy this winter and what to do if they come down with something despite your best efforts.<\/p>\n

How to keep your kids from getting sick<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Cold weather doesn\u2019t have to mark the start of fever and runny nose season. Here\u2019s how to help protect your kids from getting sick.<\/p>\n

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1<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay up to date with vaccinations<\/h4>\n
Getting your child to roll up their sleeve for a vaccine isn\u2019t always easy. Despite that, the flu shot is a great option for protecting your family against the virus.
\nThe flu vaccine changes every year based on which strains of flu are circulating. While it can\u2019t completely guarantee your child won\u2019t get the flu, it does prime their immune system to recognize the virus more quickly. This helps protect against more severe illness and any accompanying complications.<\/div>\n

2<\/span><\/p>\n

Prioritize healthy eating<\/h4>\n
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No one food can completely protect your child from getting sick. However, vegetables, fruits, protein, and healthy fats provide necessary micronutrients to support their immune system function. <\/a>Kids don\u2019t always want to eat what\u2019s best for them though. Even if they\u2019re not a picky eater, devouring a rainbow of vegetables might not be your child\u2019s thing. If you\u2019re worried they\u2019re not getting enough nutrients, speaking to a dietitian<\/a> can help you understand if your child\u2019s diet is lacking anything. Even better, they can suggest healthy meals your kids will actually eat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

3<\/span><\/p>\n

Supplement their diet with vitamin D<\/h4>\n
Vitamin D is one of the building blocks of healthy immune functioning. But it\u2019s difficult to get enough from sunlight and diet alone, leaving many Canadian kids deficient<\/a>. Incorporating a vitamin D supplement<\/a> is a great way to make sure they\u2019re meeting their requirements.<\/div>\n

4<\/span><\/p>\n

Promote proper hand hygiene<\/h4>\n
The influenza virus can live on some surfaces for up to 7 days<\/a>, just waiting for a chance to go from your child\u2019s hand to their mouth, nose, or eyes. Support your child to wash their hands<\/a> properly to help curb this.<\/div>\n

5<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider masking in public indoor settings<\/h4>\n
They may not be everyone\u2019s preference, but masks are a great tool to prevent your child from breathing in cold and flu viruses. As an added bonus, they also help safeguard against COVID-19 when worn in public indoor places.<\/a><\/div>\n

6<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask them to give their friends space<\/h4>\n
Flu and cold viruses pass easily through close contact. Remind your child not to share utensils, food, or drinks with their friends.<\/div>\n

7<\/span><\/p>\n

Create good sleep habits<\/h4>\n
Lack of sleep can negatively affect the immune system, putting your child more at risk of getting sick. Keep a consistent wakeup and lights out schedule and avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime to encourage a full night\u2019s rest. <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/h4>\n

How to help your child recover comfortably<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Viruses spread easily, and even the most conscientious kids can get sick. No matter what they\u2019re sick with, however, encouraging your child to rest is one of the best things you can do to promote recovery. You can also make them more comfortable by:<\/p>\n