As soon as the winter term begins, parents everywhere notice the same thing. Kids go back to school, and suddenly every bug under the sun seems to come home with them. One day it is a cough, the next it is a runny nose, and before you know it half the class is off sick. Winter in schools is a busy time for viruses, so it is completely normal for children to pick up more infections during these months.
With colder weather, shorter days, and a lot more time spent indoors, germs spread much more easily. The good news is that a few simple habits can help keep children healthier, happier, and more resilient throughout the winter term. Hayshine Pharmacy is always here if you need a bit of advice about winter health, vitamins, or anything related to family wellbeing.
Why kids get ill more often in winter
Children mix with a lot of other kids every day, which means bugs move quickly from one person to another. Schools are warm, busy places, perfect for viruses to survive and spread.
Cold air also irritates airways, which makes children more likely to develop coughs and sniffles. Their immune systems are still growing and learning, so they take time to build strong defences.
Finally, winter means more time indoors, less outdoor play, less sunlight, and lower vitamin D levels. All of these things make it easier for illnesses to take hold.
Building simple habits that help kids stay well
You do not need complicated routines or expensive products to help your children stay healthy during the winter term. Small habits repeated daily make the biggest difference.
Encourage regular hand washing
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to stop germs spreading. Encourage children to wash their hands:
- After using the toilet
- Before eating
- After school
- After blowing their nose or coughing
Young children often forget, so gentle reminders help.
Keep them hydrated
Dehydration makes children more tired and affects concentration. Even in winter, they need plenty of water. Encourage them to take a water bottle to school and refill it during the day.
Make sleep a priority
Sleep supports immunity more than most people realise. Kids who are tired catch more colds and recover more slowly. Try to keep a steady bedtime routine, even when evenings get busy. A calm wind down routine without screens makes bedtime much easier.
Keep meals warm and nutritious
Warm meals like soups, pasta, stews, and vegetables are ideal for winter. Foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and healthy fats help support immunity. Try to include:
- Fruit such as oranges, berries, and kiwi
- Vegetables like broccoli, peppers, and carrots
- Oats, whole grains, and brown rice
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean protein
Balanced meals keep children energised and support their natural defences.
Make sure they stay active
Cold weather makes it easy to skip outdoor play, but children still need movement. Even short bursts of activity help their mood, sleep, and overall health. Wrap them up warm and encourage fresh air when the weather is safe.
Look after their skin and lips
Cold air, wind, and constant nose wiping can make children’s skin sore. Use gentle moisturisers or lip balms to prevent redness and help them feel more comfortable.
Teach them not to share certain items
Kids love sharing, but some things should stay personal during winter. Remind them not to share:
- Water bottles
- Cutlery
- Gloves and scarves
- Lip balms
- Food
These small steps make a big difference in reducing the spread of germs.
Vitamins during winter
Vitamin D naturally drops when sunlight becomes limited. Some children can feel more tired or run down because of this. Supplements are often recommended during autumn and winter for children over one year old.
Your pharmacist can help you choose the right vitamin for your child’s age and needs. Gummies, drops, sprays, and chewable tablets are available, so there is always something they will take without a battle.
Recognising when a child needs to stay home
It is not always easy to decide whether to keep your child off school. A mild cough or sniffle is common and usually does not require them to stay home. But some symptoms mean they need rest:
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Very sore throat
- Unusual tiredness
- A cough that keeps them awake at night
Rest helps them bounce back faster, and it prevents the spread of illness to others.
Managing common winter bugs
Most winter bugs are mild and clear within a few days. Support your child by:
- Keeping them hydrated
- Offering warm drinks
- Using saline sprays for blocked noses
- Giving age appropriate pain relief if they are uncomfortable
- Using a cool mist humidifier in their room at night
Having a simple home medicine kit ready makes everything easier.
When to ask for advice
If your child is not improving after a few days, seems unusually tired, or their symptoms keep returning, it is always worth getting advice. Pharmacists can help guide you through the best steps and tell you if they need to see a GP.
You can pop in and chat about:
- Persistent coughs
- Sore throats
- Skin irritation
- Winter vitamins
- Immune support
- Managing cold and flu symptoms
Sometimes just speaking to someone who understands children’s health is reassuring for parents.
Supporting children emotionally during winter
Shorter days and colder weather can affect children emotionally too. Some feel more tired or grumpy, while others feel restless because they are indoors more often.
You can help by:
- Keeping a calm and predictable routine
- Encouraging creativity or indoor hobbies
- Making sure they get some daylight every day
- Talking openly about how they feel
Warm family time, simple routines, and reassurance help children feel grounded through the darker months.
Bringing it all together
Winter illnesses are unavoidable, especially in school environments, but kids can still stay healthy and happy with the right balance of good habits, rest, nutrition, and interaction. A bit of planning goes a long way and helps children feel more comfortable during the colder months.
