School is back in session just in time for Cold and Flu Season. While this season comes with new friends, learning, and fun— it also comes with plenty of germs. From runny noses to coughs, it can feel like kids are constantly bringing home something new. While a few sniffles are almost unavoidable, there are steps families can take to help reduce the spread of illness and keep everyone feeling their best.
These germ stopping tips are brought to you in partnership with The Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Why Kids Catch (and Share) So Many Germs
Young children are still building their immune systems, which means they’re more likely to pick up colds, flu, and other infections. Add in classrooms, cafeterias, and playtime with lots of close contact, and germs spread quickly. While this is a normal part of growing up, families can set up healthy habits at home to help.
Tips for Families to Stay Healthy
Here are a few practical ways to help protect your child—and the rest of the household:
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Handwashing is key. Teach kids to wash their hands often, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and when they come home from school. Singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice is a fun way to make sure they scrub long enough.
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Cover coughs and sneezes. Show kids how to use their elbow (not their hands) to cover coughs and sneezes. Keep tissues handy and teach them to throw them away right after use.
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Keep sick kids home. It can be tough to rearrange schedules, but resting at home helps your child recover faster—and keeps classmates healthy, too.
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Clean high-touch surfaces. Wipe down doorknobs, tablets, and other items kids touch often, especially during cold and flu season.
- Encourage good sleep and nutrition. A well-rested body with healthy meals is better at fighting off germs. Aim for regular bedtimes and balanced snacks.
Boosting Immunity Through Nutrition
What kids eat can play a big role in keeping their immune systems strong. Here’s a few things to keep in mind..
- A balanced diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables provides important vitamins like vitamin C and A, which help the body fight off illness.
- Protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meats, beans, and yogurt support growth and repair, while whole grains give kids lasting energy for busy school days.
- Don’t forget foods rich in probiotics, like yogurt or kefir, which can help support gut health—a key part of overall immunity.
Offering a variety of healthy snacks and meals not only fuels learning and play, but also helps your child’s body stay resilient when germs make the rounds at school.
Supporting Each Other as Families
Remember, catching a few bugs is part of childhood—it helps kids build stronger immune systems over time. But with some simple habits, you can cut down on how often germs spread through your household.
By working together as families and communities, we can help keep kids healthier, reduce sick days, and make the school year more enjoyable for everyone.
For more information about how to spread joy and not germs with your family, visit https://www.tchdnow.org/spread-joy-not-germs.html
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