The cold weather is creeping in, and across the country, parents are concerned about what the winter ahead holds. There's a lot of different health concerns in a regular year, and the winters since we first learned of COVID-19 have been particularly challenging.
Parents have varied approaches when it comes to keeping their kids healthy and happy throughout the winter. LittleThings sat down with Amy Verlsteffen to get a professional opinion. Not only is Amy an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), but she's also the senior director of clinical transformation at TytoCare, a great toolkit for parents looking to skip the germy doctor's office waiting room this winter.
Amy tackles some winter health myths and explains what parents should keep in mind going into cold and flu season.
There are a lot of old wives' tales and urban myths that many moms take into account when taking care of their kids in the winter. Some are rooted in truth, but there's some that doctors wished parents would let go of.
"One myth is that you can only catch the flu in cold weather," Amy notes.
There's another saying some moms swear by that isn't true.
"The old saying 'feed a cold, starve a fever' is false. Both fevers and colds can cause dehydration," she notes.
"We need liquids and nutrition in order to fight viruses and prevent secondary illness."
Last, but not least, wet hair isn't a factor in getting sick.
"A common one parents would come in and tell me the child went outside with wet hair and that is why they caught a cold," Amy shares.
"Cold weather and wet hair do not cause colds. Viruses cause the colds."
There are, of course, preventative measures parents can take to keep their kids from getting sick. This and every winter, there should be a big focus on handwashing.
"The best way to keep kids healthy is to ensure proper handwashing. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of illness," she shares.
Then there are the things we should be keeping an eye on year-round.
"Getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet with adequate fruits and vegetables, and exercising three to five times a week is also the best way to keep kids healthy all year round," Amy says.
Another big measure parents can take to help kids stay healthy is making sure they get their flu shots.
"Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive a yearly flu shot, with very few exceptions," Amy shares.
COVID-19 vaccines may soon become available to children. Amy recommends each family consult with their pediatrician when deciding if the vaccine is the right move for their child's health.
"There are some children whose risks would outweigh the benefit for these vaccines, and that includes influenza also," Amy notes.
"But the best advice is to educate yourself and ask your trusted pediatrician. Together you both can make the decision on what is best for you and your family."
You may be paying particular attention to the details during cold and flu season, but Amy says that these are precautions that should be prominent in your everyday life.
"The precautions a parent would take with school-aged kids are the same no matter the season," Amy levels.
"The difference is to provide that extra layer of protection for those that are eligible, and add the COVID-19 vaccine to their agenda. Handwashing and vaccination together will prevent many cases of influenza and COVID, both of which can have deadly effects on healthy children."
Many families around the country will be adding TytoCare to their family's health care toolkit.
"TytoCare adds a layer of reassurance to every household. TytoCare provides technology, which is AI-driven guidance, to be able to perform a full medical exam at home and then connect with a physician for diagnosis and treatment," Amy shares.
"So many times we sit and worry or wonder whether we really need to be seen, whether our cough is something to be worried about, or whether we should or should not send our children to school due to an illness. Having this device at home provides immediate connection to a physician without having to leave home," she continues.
"Access to in-person care is uncertain due to time of day, appointment availability, work/school schedules, etc. TytoHome breaks down all those barriers and provides medical care from home anytime you are in need."
