With the cold weather, thoughts turn to Christmas time, playing in the snow and drinking hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. However, along with all of the fun things comes cold and flu season. There is nothing more pitiful than a little one with a runny red nose and a temperature. You can, as a parent help to prevent your child from getting ill by educating them on how to stay healthy this winter.

It is important to explain to your children how germs spread. Teaching your children basic hygiene and leading by example is the first step in preventing your child from catching a cold or the flu. Teach them to sneeze in to a tissue and make sure they put their hand up when they cough. It’s important that they also wash their hands after sneezing and coughing. They must also wash their hands before helping to prepare food or sitting down to eat. Hand sanitizer is also available for the times when you can’t wash their hands. Good habits mean you can minimise spreading germs and be a healthy family this winter.

Encouraging healthy eating habits is also a must for parents to teach their children. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a great way to help prevent the flu. Make sure that they drink plenty of water and get a daily dose of vitamin C. Also getting plenty of exercise and sunshine will help them to build a strong immune system making it harder for them to get the flu or the common cold.

There are three types of flu to watch out for. Type A is the most serious and causes the most serious epidemics. Type B is a milder form and is capable of causing epidemics but not as likely. Type C is the mildest case and has never caused an epidemic.

A good immune system is key to not catching a cold or the flu. However, if it happens and the condition worsens seeing a doctor is always a good idea. Though there is no cure known to man for the common cold, a doctor can recommend ways to make your little one comfortable for the duration.