Cold and flu season is back, and with it comes the challenge of keeping kids healthy. Between school, sports, and playdates, kids are always touching surfaces and passing germs without even realizing it. While we can't stop every sneeze or cough from spreading, one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent illness is good hand hygiene.
At Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, we tell families to make handwashing a daily habit, not just during flu season, but all year round. Teaching kids proper hand hygiene early on helps keep not only them healthy but everyone around them, too.
Why Hand Hygiene Matters
Every day, kids touch lots of objects and surfaces—doorknobs, desks, phones, lunch tables, toys, and more. Germs that cause colds, the flu, and other illnesses can live on these surfaces for hours. When kids touch their eyes, nose, or mouth afterward, those germs can get right into their bodies.
According to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), hand hygiene is one of the best ways to stop the spread of infections. It’s especially important for preventing stuff like colds, stomach bugs, and skin infections. Proper handwashing gets rid of bacteria, viruses, and dirt, helping keep their immune systems strong and cutting down on sick days for the whole family.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also stresses that clean hands save lives. Studies show that regular handwashing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses and nearly 20% of respiratory infections. Those are pretty big numbers, especially when you think about how fast germs can spread in classrooms, playgrounds, and family get-togethers.
When to Wash Hands
Children don’t always know when they should wash their hands, so reminders and routines help. The HealthyChildren.org guide from the AAP recommends washing hands at key times throughout the day, including:
- Before eating or preparing food
- After using the restroom
- After sneezing, coughing, or blowing the nose
- After touching pets or cleaning up pet waste
- After playing outside or handling shared toys
- After visiting someone who is sick
Encouraging children to wash their hands after returning home from school, practice, or errands can also help prevent germs from spreading to siblings and family members.
How to Wash Hands Properly
It’s not just when kids wash their hands, but how they do it that matters most. A quick rinse under the faucet isn’t enough to remove germs effectively. CHOA and the AAP recommend following these five steps every time:
- Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
- Lather by rubbing hands together, making sure to cover the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
- Rinse hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
- Dry with a clean towel or air dry completely.
Parents can make this process fun for younger children by turning it into a game or using songs and timers. For example, you might challenge your child to see how many bubbles they can make or play a favorite 20-second tune while they scrub.
What About Hand Sanitizer?
When soap and water aren’t around, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a handy backup. Look for ones that have at least 60% alcohol. They do a good job killing most germs, but they don’t get rid of all bacteria or take out dirt and chemicals.
To use hand sanitizer the right way, squeeze a small amount (about the size of a dime) into your palm, rub your hands together, and keep rubbing until they feel dry, which is ideally about 20 seconds. It’s key for kids to know that sanitizers aren’t a substitute for washing their hands, especially if they’re visibly dirty or greasy.
Parents should also watch younger kids to make sure they don’t swallow the sanitizer or touch their eyes before it’s fully dry.
Making Hand Hygiene a Family Habit
Good hand hygiene starts with setting an example and being consistent. Kids are more likely to pick up healthy habits when they see adults doing the same. Try making handwashing a regular routine, like before meals, after school, and before bed.
Here are a few ways to reinforce hand hygiene at home:
- Keep supplies handy. Place soap and towels within easy reach of children. Consider using fun or colorful dispensers to make washing more appealing.
- Teach through play. Use glitter or washable paint to show how germs spread and why scrubbing is important.
- Celebrate success. Praise or reward kids for remembering to wash their hands, especially during busy routines like after school or sports practice.
- Educate, don’t scare. Help kids understand that germs are a normal part of life, but washing hands helps keep everyone healthy and strong.
Protecting Your Family During Cold and Flu Season
While hand hygiene is one of the best defenses against colds and the flu, it works even better when you combine it with other precautions. Remind your family to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows, avoid sharing drinks or utensils, get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, and stay current on flu vaccinations.
At Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, we’re here to help your family stay healthy all year round. If your kid shows signs of the flu or a stubborn cold, set up an appointment so we can give you guidance and care. Together, we can make this cold and flu season a little easier (and healthier) for everyone.
