How to stay healthy when you’re caught in the toddler sickness cycle
Tired of catching the bugs your toddler brings home from school? Here’s what to do.
Dr Johan Botha, a general practitioner practising in Gauteng, says some estimates show that the average child gets six to eight viral upper respiratory tract infections, bouts of gastroenteritis or so-called ‘day care diseases’ such as pink eye each year. Inevitably, they bring these illnesses home and before you know it, everyone in the house is sick.
“And now, of course, there’s COVID-19 to contend with too. Because these illnesses are contagious, kids in day care are more vulnerable to them because they’re exposed to more people and more germs,” he says.
But there is an upside. According to a Canadian study published in JAMA Pediatrics, this also builds immunity. When kids get to primary school, they tend to have far fewer of these infections.
In the meantime, you can stop the vicious toddler sickness cycle with these tips:
Make hand-washing a routine
Make it a rule that children must wash their hands whenever they come home from school or come in from playing. Kids learn by watching you, so you need to follow the rules too, says Botha. “Wash your hands after work or shopping, and make sure everyone in the family washes up before and after meals or after using the bathroom.”
Disinfect properly
Regularly wipe down communal germ traps like door and toilet handles, toilet seats, computers, cell phones, remote controls, and countertops. And use hot water for laundry and dishes. Dr Harley A. Rotbart, author of Germ Proof Your Kids, says people who wash clothes in hot water take fewer sick days from work and their children miss less school.
Limit the spread
Kids need to learn to share but they also need to know not to do it when they aren't feeling well. Viruses and bacteria can linger on surfaces, so teach kids not to share items like towels or cups, and limit cuddling and touching when sick – rather blow kisses.
Cough safely
Coughing into hands means germs can then spread when surfaces are touched. Teach kids to cough into their elbows.
Boost immunity
Make sure everyone in the family eats a healthy, balanced diet with enough protein, fibre and vitamins and minerals, says Botha. “Getting enough sleep and exercise is also essential for immunity.”
Get vaccinated
Prevention is better than cure, says Botha, so make sure vaccinations are up to date. This includes the COVID-19 vaccine for eligible family members, an annual flu shot, and the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine in childhood.
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com
