3 clever ways to teach kids cold and flu etiquette

But first, why is it important to teach kids about cold and flu?

Did you know kids can experience the common cold up to ten times a year in comparison to the average adult who only experiences a cold two to four times a year?

Recent reports reveal that the flu vaccination rates among children under the age of five have been alarmingly low this year, with less than 6% receiving the vaccine¹. This is particularly concerning given that children between six months to five years old are at a heightened risk for developing severe flu symptoms.

Use activities to teach kids about germs

“Young children may find it difficult to grasp the concept of germs, especially as they can’t see them. That’s why a fun activity that demonstrates the way germs spread might help them understand a little better,” explains Scott.

Try the glitter activity below.

Activity:

• Tell the child that in this activity, glitter represents germs. Ask them to talk about what they observe and learn throughout the activity.
• Ask the child to rub some hand lotion all over their hands, ensuring their hands are completely covered.
• Sprinkle a pinch of glitter into the palm of the child’s hand and ask them to rub their hands together. Ask them what they see. The glitter should stick to both hands.
• Ask the child to shake their hands to see what happens to the glitter. The glitter should spread across their hands.
• Ask the child to quickly wipe their hands on a tea towel. This method won’t be affective in removing all the glitter.
• Finally, ask the child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for 40-60 seconds. All traces of glitter should be gone. Discuss how the same process works with germs and explain the importance of thoroughly washing our hands.

Practice proper coughing techniques

“Teach kids that they should always cough and sneeze into a tissue or their elbow to prevent germs from spreading. If you show this technique step by step and practice with them regularly, you can help them build good coughing habits,” says Scott.

Make handwashing fun

“It’s important that kids wash their hands throughout the day, and it’s easy to make the process fun. Using the Colop Wash Me Stamp is just one way. When you stamp a child’s hand with the ‘virus monster’ imprint, they get that reminder to wash their hands during the day. If handwashing has been done correctly, the imprint should be gone at the end of the day,” says Scott.

Another great way to build handwashing habits is by using a simple reward system. Oversee hand washing and reward children with a sticker when they wash their hands correctly. This positive reinforcement can aid in their learning,” recommends Scott.

Help keep your kids safe this winter by teaching them about cold and flu etiquette and good hygiene practices. Shop our Winter Sale for all your cleaning and hygiene essentials this winter.

References:

¹ABC, 2023, ‘Flu threatens young children with only 6 per cent of kids vaccinated’, <https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/04/help-stop-the-flu-in-2022-this-year-it-s-even-more-important-to-get-the-flu-vaccine-brochure-help-stop-the-flu-in-2022-this-year-it-s-even-more-important-to-get-the-flu-vaccine-fact-sheet.pdf>