When the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, we all know what’s coming next, and parents of small children look again for cold and flu season tips. Runny noses, coughs, and fevers seem to be everywhere, from daycare to the grocery store. While many viruses are mild and short-lived, parents know how quickly a “simple cold” can turn into some sleepless nights—or even a trip to urgent care.

To help your family stay as healthy as possible this season, here are some tips to keep everyone feeling their best. Plus, you’ll learn when you can handle things at home and when it’s time to call the pediatrician.

Everyday Cold and Flu Season Tips to Prevent Illness

A strong immune system and a few healthy habits can go a long way toward protecting your family. Here are some things you should remember during this season and year round.

Handwashing is powerful.

Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important before eating, after coughing/sneezing, and when coming home from school or activities. Hand sanitizer works in a pinch, but soap and water remain the gold standard.

Get enough (good) sleep.

Children need more rest than adults, but it varies based on age. Infants can sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, school-aged children need nine to 12 hours, and teens can get away with eight to ten. Adequate sleep keeps the immune system strong.

Focus on nutrition.

Balanced meals that include brightly colored fruits and vegetables, good sources of lean protein, and whole grains fuel the body to fight infections. They pack a punch with vitamins C and D, along with zinc. And remember to drink plenty of fluids!

Stay active.

Daily movement, whether it’s outdoor play or family walks, supports healthy immune responses. Turn it into a game by dancing or playing with your family to make activity more fun.

Teach “cover your cough.”

Encourage kids to use their elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of germs.

Cold and Flu Season Tips for the Home

While you can’t always keep your family safe from germs, there certainly are some things you can do at home to protect them. Some cold and flu season tips to incorporate into your regular routine include:

Disinfect high-touch areas.

Wipe down doorknobs, remotes, toys, and light switches regularly. Use a natural disinfectant, either purchased from your local retailer or made at home. Here’s a recipe for a nontoxic option that’s kid friendly.

Use separate cups and utensils.

Teach kids not to share drinks, straws, or snacks. Germs spread quickly when they’re sharing things like this.

Humidify the air.

A cool-mist humidifier can keep nasal passages moist, making it harder for viruses to take hold. These are cost effective and even act as white noise as children are falling asleep.

When to Keep Kids Home from School or Daycare

Most schools have specific guidelines about when children can’t attend and should, instead, stay home. These seem to be somewhat universal:

• They have a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
• They are too tired or uncomfortable to participate in normal activities.
• They are vomiting or have diarrhea.
• They have a persistent, disruptive cough.

Sending children to school sick not only delays their recovery but also spreads illness to classmates and teachers.

When to Go to the Doctor, Urgent Care, or Emergency Room

Knowing where to go first can save time and stress.

Call your pediatrician.

• If fever lasts longer than 3 days.
• Symptoms worsen, instead of improving, after a week.
• Ear pain, sinus pain, or persistent cough develops.
• You’re unsure what your child needs. Your doctor or on-call nurse is always a smart first line of defense.

Visit urgent care.

When your doctor’s office isn’t open, that’s when urgent care should be on your agenda. This would include non-life-threatening issues such as ear infection or worsening flu symptoms.

Head to the Emergency Room

• When your child is struggling to breathe or breathing rapidly.
• Lips or face appear bluish.
• If your child hasn’t urinated for 8 or more hours, has dry mouth, or doesn’t shed tears when crying, that’s a sign of dehydration.
• Seizures or sudden confusion could warrant calling 911.

When in doubt about what to do, trust your instincts. Parents usually have a strong intuition about their children’s care—and they’re often right.

Knowing Whether Your Child Has a Cold or Flu

Common cold symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, mild sore throat, sneezing, or low-grade fever. Colds require monitoring and managing discomfort. Flu symptoms, on the other hand include sudden onset of high fever, chills, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. These can sometimes be paired with cough or sore throat. A flu could escalate and require medical intervention.

One of the best cold and flu season tips is to get your child a flu vaccine every fall. Immunization reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications such as pneumonia. It also helps protect newborns and vulnerable family members who may be at higher risk.

Both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend flu vaccines for everyone six months and older. Ideally, children should be vaccinated early in the season for maximum protection.

How Community Choice Pediatrics Can Help

Cold and flu season doesn’t have to derail your family’s routine. At Community Choice Pediatrics, we provide:

• Flu vaccines for children and parents.
• Same-day sick visits for when your child needs a quick evaluation.
• Guidance on symptom management at home.
• Clear advice for when to seek urgent or emergency care.

We’re here to help you navigate cold and flu season with confidence. If you haven’t scheduled your child’s flu shot yet, now is the perfect time. Schedule an appointment to discuss your child’s health with one of our providers.