Why it’s important to teach kids about colds and the flu.
Children are susceptible to colds and flu because of their limited exposure to viruses, which means their immune systems have to learn and adapt to new germs. Data from HealthDirect1 reveal that children can suffer from five to ten colds a year, while adults can suffer from two to four colds each year.
The flu virus is easily spread through airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes, making it highly contagious, especially among children. They often carry large amounts of the virus in their nasal secretions and shed it more frequently during the infectious period. In addition, children tend to have closer contact with each other and may have poorer hygiene practices, further increasing the risk of transmission.
Family members and educators play a vital role in teaching children proper cold and flu etiquette.
Here are Scott’s top three tips:
Tip 1: Do activities to teach children about germs.
“Young children can have difficulty understanding the concept of germs, especially since they cannot see them. To help them understand a little better, engage in a fun way by using sustainable glitter to demonstrate the way germs are spread,” explains Scott.
Glitter Activity:
- Tell the child that in this activity, the glitter represents germs. Ask them to talk about what they observe and learn throughout the activity.
- Ask the child to rub some hand lotion all over their hands, making sure their hands are completely covered.
- Sprinkle some glitter on the child’s palm and ask them to rub their hands together. Ask them what they see. The glitter should stick to both hands.
- Ask the child to shake his hand to see what happens to the glitter. The glitter should spread through your hands.
- Ask the child to quickly dry his hands with a kitchen towel. This method will not be effective in removing all the shine.
- Finally, ask the child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for 40-60 seconds. All traces of glitter should be gone. Discuss how the same process works with germs and explain the importance of washing our hands thoroughly.
Tip 2: Grab a germ with a fun dance move. Practice proper coughing techniques.
do you dab2It’s a dance where you put one arm straight in the air and bend the other elbow towards your face. Kids love to dab and it’s a perfect way to demonstrate how kids should cough into the crook of their arm to prevent the spread of germs.
“You could play some music and demonstrate while you teach the dance, or you could put up posters around the room showing funny characters doing the tap. Either way, everyone will have fun while learning how to reduce the spread of germs,” says Scott.
Tip 3: Make hand washing fun.
It is important for children to learn to wash their hands throughout the day as part of a proper routine.
“Make handwashing fun with the Colop Wash Me Stamp. Simply stamp a child’s hand with the ‘virus monster’ print. It gives them a visual reminder to wash their hands during day. If handwashing has been done correctly, the print should be gone by the end of the day,” says Scott.
“Another great way to build handwashing habits is to use a simple reward system. Monitor handwashing and reward children with a sticker when they wash their hands correctly. This positive reinforcement can help with their learning.”
Help keep your kids safe this winter by teaching them cold and flu etiquette and good hygiene practices. Shop our hot winter offer for all your cleaning and hygiene essentials this winter.