How to Avoid Colds & Pneumonia in Kids

While a cold is typically not serious in children, it can cause discomfort and a trip to the doctor. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is a more serious lung condition that is the result of bacteria or a virus. Although it̵7;s difficult to keep kids from getting sick at some point, especially once they enter school, with good hygiene practices and proper prevention techniques, you can reduce your child̵7;s chances of catching a cold or developing pneumonia.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Disinfecting spray

Instructions

    • 1

      Stay away from people who are sick with a cold or other respiratory infection, and keep your child away as well. While colds are contagious, pneumonia is not, but the respiratory bacteria and viruses that lead to pneumonia are contagious.

    • 2

      Avoid smoking around your child or taking him around others who smoke. According to KidsHealth.org, secondhand smoke exposure increases your child̵7;s chances of getting sick.

    • 3

      Encourage your child to practice good hand-washing techniques. He should wash his hands often, especially after being around someone who is sick. Teach your child to always wash his hands after playing outside, before eating, after contact with someone that̵7;s ill and periodically throughout the day with warm, soapy water. If you don̵7;t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel to kill germs.

    • 4

      Use separate drinking glasses, towels and utensils if someone in your household is sick. Tell your child not to drink from the same glass or cup as that person and not to pick up used tissues. Clean doorknobs, counter tops, bathroom surfaces, light switches and other hard surfaces in your home frequently with a disinfecting spray if someone in your household is sick.

    • 5

      Consult your child̵7;s doctor about vaccines recommended for children the age of your child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the pneumococcal, pertussis (whopping cough), varicella (chicken pox), haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), measles and flu vaccines for children. Although these vaccines do not prevent colds or pneumonia, they do protect children from developing illnesses that can lead to colds or pneumonia.

    • 6

      Talk to your child about keeping his hands out of his mouth, nose and eyes. Viruses and bacteria can easily enter his body through these passages.

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