5 Things Every Family Should Do Before Winter Arrives
As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, families start spending more time indoors, holiday schedules get busier, and winter illnesses begin making their annual appearance.
November is the perfect time to take a few simple steps to help keep your family healthy, safe, and ready for the season ahead.
Here are five things parents can do now to prepare for a healthier winter.
1. Don't Wait on Flu Vaccination
Flu season typically picks up during the late fall and winter months. Getting vaccinated before influenza is widespread in your community provides the best opportunity for protection.
The flu can cause much more than a few days of fever and discomfort. Every year, children are hospitalized with influenza complications, and even otherwise healthy children can become seriously ill.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for children ages 6 months and older.
If your child hasn't received this season's flu vaccine, November is a great time to get it done.
2. Practice Healthy Cold and Flu Season Habits
Respiratory viruses spread easily when children spend more time together indoors. Fortunately, a few simple habits can help reduce the spread of illness.
Encourage your family to:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue.
- Stay home when sick, especially when experiencing fever or significant symptoms.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, particularly when someone at home is ill.
- Don't forget to use our online symptom checker as well.
These everyday habits can help reduce the spread of influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other common respiratory viruses.
And remember: children learn by watching us. Practicing these habits together makes them easier to maintain.
3. Make Sure Asthma and Allergy Plans Are Up to Date
Cold air, respiratory infections, indoor allergens, and holiday travel can all contribute to worsening asthma or allergy symptoms.
November is a good time to:
- Review your child's asthma action plan.
- Check inhalers and other medications for expiration dates.
- Make sure spacers and other necessary equipment are available.
- Refill prescriptions before holiday travel or busy schedules make it more difficult.
- Discuss symptoms that have become more frequent or difficult to control.
If your child regularly coughs during exercise, wakes at night coughing, or frequently needs a rescue inhaler, their asthma may not be adequately controlled.
Don't wait for a winter respiratory illness to discover that your child's treatment plan needs adjusting.
4. Protect Your Child's Sleep During the Holidays
Between school activities, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and travel, children's sleep schedules can quickly become disrupted.
Unfortunately, inadequate sleep can affect much more than energy levels. It can also contribute to difficulties with:
- Mood and emotional regulation
- Attention and concentration
- Behavior and school performance
- Immune function and overall well-being
Try to maintain consistent bedtimes and wake-up times whenever possible. Even during busy holiday weeks, protecting your child's sleep can make a meaningful difference.
And remember, sometimes the best holiday activity is simply having a quiet evening at home.
5. Keep Holiday Safety Top of Mind
The holidays bring decorations, family gatherings, special foods, gifts, and travel. They can also introduce safety hazards that families may not encounter during the rest of the year.
A few simple precautions can help prevent avoidable injuries.
Decorate with Safety in Mind
- Keep small ornaments, ornament hooks, and sharp or breakable decorations out of young children's reach.
- Secure Christmas trees and other large decorations to prevent tipping.
- Inspect holiday lights for damaged cords and loose connections.
- Keep candles away from children, pets, and flammable decorations.
- Pay special attention to button batteries in electronic toys, ornaments, and decorations. If you suspect a child has swallowed one, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Watch for Holiday Choking Hazards
Holiday foods such as whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candies, and large pieces of meat or cheese can be choking hazards for young children.
Always supervise young children while eating, and prepare foods in age-appropriate sizes and textures.
After opening presents, promptly clean up ribbons, plastic packaging, twist ties, and small toy parts.
Keep holiday plants, including holly and mistletoe, out of reach. Poinsettias are generally less toxic than many people believe, although they can still cause irritation or stomach upset if eaten.
Travel Safely
Whether you're driving across town or flying across the country:
- Use appropriate car seats and boosters.
- Avoid bulky winter coats underneath car seat harnesses. Use thin layers and place blankets over the secured harness instead.
- Bring necessary medications and keep them accessible to adults but safely secured away from children.
- Pack snacks, water, and entertainment for longer trips.
Remember Emotional Well-Being
The holidays aren't always joyful for every child. Changes in routines, family circumstances, financial pressures, and busy schedules can contribute to stress and anxiety.
Allow downtime, maintain familiar routines when possible, and keep expectations realistic.
The best holiday memories don't necessarily come from doing more. Often, they come from simply spending meaningful time together.
Looking Ahead to a Healthy Winter
At Priority Care Pediatrics, we're helping families throughout Kansas City's Northland, including Liberty, Parkville, and North Kansas City, prepare for a healthy winter. Staying current on
vaccinations, reinforcing healthy habits,
managing chronic conditions, protecting sleep, and taking a few holiday safety precautions can make a meaningful difference.
If your child is due for a flu vaccine, checkup, or follow-up appointment, our team is here to help.
Let's head into winter healthy, safe, and ready to enjoy the season together!
