It’s no secret that winter is peak time for sniffles, coughs, colds, and viruses like the flu. And when you have kids, it might seem like spending the season sick is inevitable.
As a parent, you want your child to thrive — not just survive. There’s no surefire way to prevent every illness, but there are steps you can take to lower your child’s chances of getting sick and keep your family healthier this winter.
At Irving Coppell Primary Care, Raghu Turebylu, MD, and our pediatric care team support families with preventive guidance and medical care all year long. Here are practical, pediatrician-approved tips to help keep your kids healthier this winter.
Routine vaccinations — including an annual flu shot — are one of the best defenses against serious illness during cold months. Getting a flu shot every year helps protect your child from influenza strains circulating each season and reduces the risk of complications.
Regular preventive care keeps small issues from turning into big ones. At your child’s well visits, Dr. Turebylu monitors their growth, tracks their developmental milestones, and checks their overall well-being. You can ask questions about symptoms, exposure risks, or seasonal concerns, and if your child is due for other immunizations, now is a great time to catch up.
Germs spread quickly in classrooms, playdates, and shared spaces, and proper handwashing is the best way to reduce the spread and keep your child and their friends healthier. Teach your child to wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after playing, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Make hand hygiene fun for younger kids with songs or routines that help them learn the timing.
Physical activity supports immune health, boosts mood, and helps manage stress — all of which are important for kids’ well-being, no matter the season. The colder, darker days of winter can make it tempting to stay indoors, but try to keep movement in your child’s routine.
Try doing yoga or stretching routines together. Turn on music at home and dance, or get in the habit of taking family walks after dinner. To get out of the house, visit an indoor play gym or pool. Even short bursts of movement help circulation, strengthen the heart and lungs, and burn off extra energy that can otherwise turn into irritability or restless sleep.
Layering is key during chilly months, especially when kids are playing outside. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating layers, and finish with a water-resistant outer layer. Hats, gloves, and warm socks protect against heat loss, too. Remember that wet clothes can chill fast, so bring an extra set when kids will be playing outdoors for longer periods.
Sleep is essential for young immune systems. Growing kids need more sleep than adults, and consistent bedtimes help reinforce healthy rhythms that support everything from memory and mood to immunity.
Aim for age-appropriate sleep targets (for example, 9-12 hours for school-age children) and limit screen time before bed. A calming bedtime routine, like bath, books, and quiet conversation, also sets the stage for better rest.
Occasional runny noses, sneezing, and even mild coughs are common wintertime symptoms — but it’s important to know what symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor. Call your pediatrician if your child has:
We recommend coming in for a sick visit any time your child has the above symptoms, or if their symptoms don’t improve within a few days. Irving Coppell Primary Care offers comprehensive pediatric care, including evaluation and treatment for seasonal illnesses, preventive guidance, and support for chronic conditions.
Winter doesn’t have to mean a season of sickness for your child or your family. Whether it’s an unexpected sniffle or a recurring concern, Dr. Turebylu and our team work with you to keep your child safe and healthy. Book an appointment online or call our office in Irving, Texas, at 469-713-3838 today.
