As we honor Global Handwashing Day during October, there’s no better time to revisit the importance of hygiene — especially when someone in your home catches a bug. In homes with ever-sick infants and toddlers, a simple sniffle can spread like wildfire to other siblings. But with the right precautions, you can help stop germs in their tracks and keep the rest of your household healthy.
Focus on high-touch zones
When kids get sick, everything they touch can carry germs. Start by disinfecting high-touch surfaces daily — especially doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, faucet handles, and refrigerator doors. Use child-safe disinfectant wipes or sprays, and don’t forget their favorite toys, tablets, or game controllers.
Fresh air is your friend
Even when the weather cools down, crack open the windows for 10 –15 minutes a day to let fresh air circulate and reduce indoor germs. Ventilation plays a big role in keeping viruses from lingering, especially during cold and flu season when your family is spending more time indoors.
Tackle laundry with a plan
When a sibling gets sick, it’s wise to wash bedsheets, pillowcases, towels, and even plush toys more frequently. Use hot water when possible, and dry on high heat to kill lingering bacteria or viruses. Keep laundry baskets separate for sick and healthy family members.
Designate a ‘sick-zone’
If space allows, create a cozy, contained area for the sick child — a dedicated room or corner of the home where they can rest and recover. This helps limit the spread of germs to siblings and adults. Keep a trash can nearby for used tissues and encourage everyone to wash hands after entering or exiting the space.
Global Handwashing Day: keeping hand hygiene front and center
Every year, the medical community comes together to celebrate Global Handwashing Day on October 15th. This important day of recognition seeks to spread awareness about the importance of keeping our hands clean, to help protect our families, our communities, and especially our most vulnerable — our children.
So use this as an opportunity to teach your children to scrub for 20 seconds with soap and water (or the time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song!), especially before meals, after using the bathroom, and after touching shared items.
At Ocean Pediatrics, we’re here to help your family stay healthy year-round. Our trusted team of providers, led by nationally renowned pediatrician Dr. Steven Abelowitz, offers compassionate care to help little ones recover and thrive. So if your child is under the weather — or if you just need advice on navigating cold and flu season — book an appointment with us today. We’ll guide you through every sniffle, sneeze, and step toward wellness.
