5 Ways to Prevent Summer Illness!

Kids should be outside during summer! They should be soaking in the sun, playing in the pool, enjoying Little League games, attending backyard barbeques, and indulging in all things fun outdoors. Unfortunately, in my household, my kids often fall ill each summer. Summer colds are a real hassle and tend to disrupt vacations, weekend trips, and outdoor fun.

Unlike winter colds, which usually dissipate in a few days, summer colds can linger for weeks, seeming to vanish only to return unexpectedly. While the cold weather may be blamed for winter illnesses, summer colds seem to stem from increased germ exposure. To combat these pesky summer illnesses, I’m sharing my top five tips to keep them at bay!

Maintain Hand Hygiene: Most germs travel from sick individuals to healthy ones via hands. The best defense is to wash hands frequently throughout the day with warm, soapy water. If washing isn’t an option, hand sanitizer is a great alternative.

Symptom Relief: There’s no cure for the common cold, but numerous over-the-counter remedies can alleviate symptoms, such as cough suppressants, fever reducers, and nasal decongestants. While a cold can’t be cured, treating the symptoms can ensure a person feels significantly better.

Stay Hydrated: For some reason, we often struggle to drink enough water during summer. Dehydration decreases your body’s fluid levels, making it easier to get sick. Keep bottled water available and encourage kids to enjoy vitamin C-rich drinks, like orange juice, or make hydration more appealing by allowing them to add fresh fruit to their water.

Prioritize Sleep: Insufficient sleep can weaken your immune system. Ensure that everyone is getting adequate rest each night to defend against potential colds. According to the National Sleep Foundation, toddlers typically need 12 hours, preschoolers require 11 hours, and school-aged children should aim for 10 hours of sleep daily!

Get Sufficient Vitamin D: You typically can’t acquire enough vitamin D just through diet. The best way to obtain it is through sunlight. I ensure my children spend about 20 minutes outside daily.