With the onset of the winter season, we are concerned about viral infections like common cold, dry skin, stuffy nose etc. in children. We come across many viruses like Rhinoviruses, Influenza, Parainfluenza, RSV, Adenovirus etc. which cause recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. To tackle this problem we need to teach children the importance of hand washing, personal hygiene, wearing mask, ‘Cough Etiquette’(teaching children to turn their heads and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or inside of their elbow).

In order to keep your children away from the infections, you should avoid taking them in crowded spaces. Contact with sick children should also be avoided.

It is a myth that kids catch cold from playing out in cold weather or due to hair remaining wet for prolonged period. DRESS kids appropriately for cold weather, typically adding one extra layer to whatever an adult would wear to be comfortable. They should wear loose fitting, light, tightly woven clothing under a heavy jacket to keep warm, plus mittens or gloves, hat, scarf, waterproof boots.

ANNUAL FLU SHOTS are very important because they really protect children from recurrent flu like illnesses. Kids don’t need antibiotics for common colds even if the discharge is green or yellow. All children need is saline nasal drops to keep nostrils open.

DRY SKIN is very common issue in winters. So moisturizing cream to be used twice a day all over body. Use lip balm for dry lips. Clean the nose regularly because mucus harden to thick crusts inside the nose more during winter so it is necessary to clean the nose with a wet cotton swab in warm water. Aerate the rooms, leave some windows and doors open for few minutes when the sun is shining bright so that clean air can flow the room.