Aerobic exercise helps build the immune system. Just because it’s not summer anymore isn’t an excuse for your kids to stay indoors. Cooler temps actually mean kids can play safely outside for longer periods of time. Make sure your kiddos are logging 30 to 60 minutes of activity, organized or free play, every day.

Top 10

Tips for Surviving Cold and Flu Season with Kids

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Be proactive with your kids’ health. Get them the nutrition they’ll need to fight off germs with lots of healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables. And talk to your pediatrician about any vitamins they should be taking.

eaT Good FoodS.

Germs are lurking everywhere, so it’s very important to make sure your children are washing their hands correctly during cold and flu season. Sing “Happy Birthday” while washing up to make sure they’re not skipping important seconds of sanitizing, and carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for when you aren’t near a sink.

SudS up.

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Schedule a flu vaccine with your child’s pediatrician. Kids as young as six months and up should get a flu vaccine every year in early fall. And schedule one for yourself, while you’re at it! When everyone who’s eligible gets vaccinated, it protects those who can’t be, like babies less than six months old.

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The boy scouts have this one right. No matter how careful you are, sometimes little ones just get sick. So, make sure your pantry is stocked with soups and fluids, and your bathroom cabinet has tissues, a thermometer and cold compresses ready to go, just in case.

Be prepared.

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This can be tough with very little ones, but try to keep your kids from putting their hands in their own – or anyone else’s – mouth, and from touching their eyes.

Keep your handS To yourSeLF. Kids are highly likely to pass their germs

to one another. After school or playdates, wash clothes and toys to keep germs from spreading.

Keep iT CLean.

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Use your own judgment when out and about. Don’t take your child anywhere with crowds if he or she is feeling at all under the weather. And definitely don’t let your child share cups or utensils with others.

SharinG iS noT CarinG.

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Learn the difference between cold and flu and talk to your child’s pediatrician about how to treat your child for either. Discuss how any chronic conditions, like asthma or diabetes, could affect treatment.

Learn The diFFerenCe.

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Your kids will do what you do! Make sure you’re washing your own hands, coughing and sneezing into your own elbow, rather than your hand, and eating your own fruits and veggies.

TeaCh By exampLe.

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