How to protect your kids from common winter bugs

As the colder season approaches, colds, bugs and illnesses become more common. If your child is in school, the chance of these spreading is much higher. It’s normal to be worried about your children getting ill, however, there are things you can do to protect them from bugs or be prepared in case they do catch a cold.     

Know the Signs

Familiarising yourself with signs of common illnesses or more serious conditions can be important in determining which measures to take. If it develops into something more serious, catching it early can make all the difference.

The NHS shares an extensive list of common childhood illnesses, so you can read up on the conditions you should be aware of. If you think your child is seriously ill, it’s always best to call 111 or speak to your GP for advice.             

Healthy Habits

Building healthy habits in your children can also make them less susceptible to illness. Ensuring they have a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients, vitamins and minerals can contribute to a strong immune system.

Regular exercise and good sleep are also extremely important as your little one continues to develop. A good night’s rest can often do wonders for run down, sick children.

Medicine

Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you be prepared in the case of mild illnesses. Some essentials to keep on-hand are paracetamol (check the correct dosage for your child’s age/weight), oral rehydration solution, antihistamines, cough and cold remedies, thermometer and a first aid kit.

Make sure to regularly check that all of these are still in date, so they can work to their full effect if needed. It’s extremely important to keep these medicines out of reach of your children. If they get reach of certain medications, it could be very harmful.

Keep Children at Home

If your children have got a bug or cold, it’s recommended to keep them at home. This can stop the spread of contagious illnesses and keep it contained; especially in the case of infections spread through respiratory droplets such as coughing. It’s not worth the risk of passing this onto other children who can also become very ill.

If your little one is suffering from a tummy bug that’s causing vomiting and/or diarrhoea, the guidelines are to keep them off school for 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided. The NHS has a guide for when to keep your child home from school/nursery if you’re unsure.  

Hygiene

Teaching your children good hygiene practices can go a long way; showing them the proper handwashing technique can reduce the spread of infections. Additionally, encouraging children to cover their mouths when they cough and sneeze can reduce the chance of contagious illnesses being passed onto others.

When you’re out and about, hand sanitiser is an effective way to kill germs responsible for infections. Milton’s Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser is ideal for on-the-go cleanliness – and also suitable for sensitive skin. Our Antibacterial Surface Wipes are also the perfect solution for quick clean ups. For at home disinfection, the Milton Antibacterial Surface Spray keeps your surfaces clean, while its alcohol and bleach-free formula is gentle for your little ones.

For protection against several common childhood illnesses, make sure you stay up to date with your child’s vaccinations. The NHS have a vaccination schedule if you want to make sure you haven’t missed any.