Cold and flu season is upon us, and if you have kids in school or daycare, get ready for all the sniffles and coughs to start coming home with them. Some sick days for kids (and thus, parents) are inevitable, but there are some simple ways to keep your family healthy this year. We asked Whitney Casares, MD, author of Doing it All and My One-of-a-Kind Body, who is not only a pediatrician but also a mom of two, what she recommends to patients and practices at home to boost immunity.
First of all, what are your favorite ways to boost your family’s immunity to viruses this season?
The absolute best ways to keep kids well during cold and flu season sound simple because they are.
- Offer a variety of nutrient-dense foods (like fruits and vegetables, plus healthy fats and proteins).
- Make sure to prioritize your child’s sleep.
- Teach them good handwashing techniques and how to cover their coughs.
- Vaccinate for Influenza early in the fall (before Halloween is ideal).
This is advice I give my patients but that I also practice in my own home!
Good tips! How about supplements—any we should be stocking up on?
Most kids don’t need supplements as long as they are eating a relatively well-rounded diet. Unfortunately, there’s not much evidence that over-the-counter vitamins like vitamin C or supplements like Elderberry make a difference (and they can be really expensive!).
Probiotics are the only supplement I routinely recommend during “sick season,” and I use them primarily for kids who get short-term stomach bugs (what we call viral gastroenteritis in pediatrics).
Do you like the use of hand sanitizer—or is it doing more harm than good?
I’m a way bigger fan of hand washing than I am of using hand sanitizer because hand washing, when done correctly, physically removes bacteria and viruses. There’s also some evidence that, as a society, using so much hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap is contributing to increased rates of eczema and allergies over time. Experts call this the “clean hypothesis.” In a pinch, though, I’d rather families use hand sanitizer than nothing at all!
What are some myths about preventing illness?
Sometimes parents forget that the more people who are vaccinated in a community, the less likely a virus or bacteria is able to spread. It may not seem like it’s important for your individual child to get vaccinated against Influenza, for example. Remember, though, your child’s vaccination is helping to protect other people around them who may not be able to receive the immunization (like people with immune system disorders or who take certain medications) or who are at higher risk at baseline (like older people and babies).
Anything else you’d like to share?
Simple cough and cold illnesses can be really difficult to distinguish from conditions like Influenza. If you’re unsure how serious your child’s illness is, check in with their pediatrician. We’re experts at helping parents understand when they need to worry and when it’s “just a cold.”
About the Expert
Whitney Casares, MD, is a mom of two and the pediatrician behind Mommy Modern Doc. Follow her on Instagram for more.
